This book takes an in-depth look at the phenomenon of police officer suicide. Centered on statistical information collected from cases of officer suicide from 2017 to 2019, this volume helps readers understand the circumstances surrounding death by suicide amongst law enforcement personnel and makes recommendations for identification and prevention.
Through interview and case presentations, this volume examines the lives and last days and weeks of several officers, using findings from social media, departmental surveys, medical examiner reports, toxicology reports and interviews with loved ones and colleagues to create a psychological autopsy. With 14 chapters contributed by former law enforcement, researchers, and mental health professionals, it addresses national, state, and local policy implications and strategies, presenting a theory for better understanding and preventing the phenomenon of officer suicide. This volume will be of interest to researchers in policing, to law enforcement and first responder leadership and administrative professionals, and to mental health practitioners and clinicians working with this unique population
Author(s): Olivia Johnson, Konstantinos Papazoglou, John Violanti, Joseph Pascarella
Publisher: Springer
Year: 2021
Language: English
Pages: 312
City: Cham
Foreword
References
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
Contents
Editors and Contributors
About the Editors
About the Authors
Chapter 1: Pre-employment Eligibility and Predicating Self-Harm in Law Enforcement Personnel
Introduction
History of Pre-employment Screening for Police Officers
International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)
Types of Psychological Assessments
Importance of the Interview
Legal Considerations in the Pre-employment Selection Process
Cultural Changes, Values, and Generational Shifts
Pre-employment Mental Health Screening
Youth Mental Health and Bullying
New Paradigms to Consider
Conclusion
References
Chapter 2: Personal Baggage and Job Stress
Introduction
Defining Stress and Coping
Distress Versus Eustress
Acute and Critical Incident Stress
Cumulative Stress and Burnout
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Stress Vulnerability Factors
Additional Stress Considerations for Police Officers
Organizational Stress
Operational Versus Organizational Stress
Personal Relationship Stressors
Alcoholism and Stress
Media as a Stressor
Body-Worn Cameras
COVID-19 as a Stressor
Officer Suicide
2017 Police Suicide Frequencies Based on Race, Gender, and Age
2018 Police Suicide Frequencies Based on Race, Gender, and Age
2019 Police Suicide Frequencies Based on Race, Gender, and Age
Officer Resiliency and Protective Factors
Enhancing Officer Safety and Wellness
Best Practices Models
Conclusion
References
Chapter 3: Police Suicide: The Hidden Danger
Introduction
Police Suicide Research
Police Suicide Etiology: What’s behind this?
Gender and Race
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
How Do We End This Tragic Loss of Life?
Suicide Contagion
Recent Strategies for Prevention
Suicide Postvention
Suicide Survivors
Protective Psychology: Building Resiliency
Conclusions
References
Chapter 4: The Mental Health Challenges Faced by Law Enforcement in America
Mental Health Issues Among Police Officers
Stigma: The Fly in the Ointment
Currents Challenges Faced By
Evidence-Based Treatment Protocols
Adjunctive Techniques
Prevention: The Mental Health Check-In (MHCI)
The Real Life of a Cop
Indirect Expressions of Pain
Clinical Case One: When No Doesn’t Mean No
Inside the Mind of a Therapist
Case Study Two: Juan
Case Study Three: Jayla
Summary
References
Chapter 5: Relationships: A “Make It or Break It” Suicidal Factor
Homicide-Suicide of Law Enforcement Officers
References
Chapter 6: Substance Use Disorder
Introduction
Police, Stress, Trauma, and Maladaptive Coping Mechanisms
Maladaptive Coping Mechanisms and Substance Abuse
References
Chapter 7: Shift Work in Law Enforcement: Mental and Physical Outcomes
Introduction
Shift Work and Mental Health
Shift work, Physical health, and Suicide
Reducing the Risk: Suggestions
Reducing PTSD and Depression
Police Health Considerations
References
Chapter 8: Firearms: Accessibility, Lethality, and Risk Factors When a Firearm is Present in the Home
Introduction
The Facts About Guns in the Home
Relationship Between Police Suicide and Guns
Safety Measures: Gun Storage
Safety Measures: Education
Safety Measures: What a Police Agency Can Do
Policies/Solutions
Conclusion
References
Chapter 9: Cultural Influences and Expectations Surrounding Mental Health
Law Enforcement Culture
Aspects of the Culture
Understanding the Effects of Stigma
Mental Health, Police Culture, and Stigma
Psychological Bases and Consequences of Police Culture for the Officer
Culture of Suspicion
Preservation of Subjective Feelings and Appearance of Invulnerability
Consequences of Police Culture for the Officer with Mental Health Issues
Suicide
Future Directions in Educating Leadership
Educating Academy Recruits
Research-Based Training
Closure: Confinement of Communication and Isolation of Support System
References
Chapter 10: Think Like a Detective: Is There a Change in Behavior?
Verbal and Nonverbal
Intuitive and the Investigative Process
Psychological Autopsy
Case Study 1
Case Study 2
Think Like a Detective
A Conversation on Suicide
Conclusion
References
Chapter 11: Prevention: Resilience Building, Training, Education Programs, and Crisis Lines
Starting from a Positive Perspective
Recruiting for Resilience
Common Adversities and Resilience Training
Innovative Post-Trauma Interventions
Law Enforcement Officers and HAI
The Human-Animal Bond
Post-Traumatic Growth
Sense of Coherence: What’s Your Time?
Crisis Lines
Organizational Resilience
Conclusion
References
Chapter 12: Theoretical Conceptualization and Action Plan: Contributing Factors and Potential Responses
Family Safety
Addressing Firearms
Domestic Violence Issues
Substance Use and Abuse
Murder/Suicide
Funeral Protocol
Media and Social Media Regarding Suicide Death
Pre-Employment Screening and Testing
Information Extracted and Implemented as Part of the Theoretical Conceptualization
References
Chapter 13: Police Culture: A Call for Authentic, Courageous Leadership and Wellness Accountability
Introduction
Social Isolation and Cynicism
Toxic Levels of Occupational Stress
The Stigma Associated with Seeking Help
A Profound Lack of Trust
Recommendations
Building Resiliency and Wellness for Law Enforcement Officers
Cultivating Mutual Trust and Sharing Within the Organization
References
Chapter 14: Conclusions and Recommendations, Policy Implications, and Future Research
Conclusions
Policy Implications
What Do We Know and Where Are We Going
Future Research
Reducing the Risk
The Police Organization
Mental Illness Stigma
Availability of Suicide Means (Firearms)
Recommendations
Closure
References
Index
