ABSTRACT
Disclaimer ............................................................................................................216 The Problem .........................................................................................................217 Blue Trauma Syndrome ......................................................................................217 What to Do to Prevent Law Enforcement Suicides? .......................................218 Possible Warning Signs of Impending Suicide ................................................218 Strategies for the Individual .............................................................................. 220 Know When to Ask For Help............................................................................ 222 Strategies for Agencies ....................................................................................... 223 Establishing Proactive Peer Support ................................................................ 224 Building a Family Support Network ................................................................ 224 Thoughts on Intervention.................................................................................. 225 Have a Plan .......................................................................................................... 225 Assemble Your Team .......................................................................................... 225 Arrange Your Resources in Advance ............................................................... 226 Write Your Script to Include Specific Behaviors Depicting the Problem ..... 226 Some Thoughts on Treatment ........................................................................... 227 Strategies for a Positive Wellness Culture ....................................................... 228 Make it Safe ......................................................................................................... 229 “Make it Safe” Initiative and Concerns about Fitness for Duty .................... 232 Consider a Proactive Annual Check-In .......................................................... 233 Elements of the Proactive Annual Check-In .................................................. 233 For Your Own Further Research, Please Investigate These Books ............... 235 Links to CopsAlive.com Articles and Resources............................................ 236 Homework and Follow-Up Research ............................................................... 236
I am neither a psychologist nor a mental health professional. I am just an ex-cop who lost a friend to suicide and began writing and researching law enforcement wellness after his death. Although I have been a law enforcement trainer for over 35 years, all of the ideas in this chapter are suggestions presented for your contemplation and should be considered with your life and career experience as a guide. If you have further questions or need support, assistance, or additional resources, please visit www.CopsAlive.com or seek the appropriate professional help from a legal, medical, or mental health professional in your area.
