Suicide Risk Among Law Enforcement Officers and Strategies for Prevention and Wellness

Law enforcement officers have always had an unspoken mentality that one does not talk about the problems of the job when the psychological difficulties become too much to handle. In a profession where the mission is to serve and protect others and save lives, one cannot show weakness. Therefore, officers keep the difficulties they experience inside themselves, stemming from the horrors and traumas they witness every day. As a result, suicide remains a leading cause of death among active and retired officers. Fortunately, there is a positive move to change this long-standing, unspoken tradition of not seeking help or talking about the job's stresses; however, changing this mentality is challenging. Learn more about how to help officers build resilience and prevent suicide deaths.