ABSTRACT

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book addresses the issues involved in suicide-by-cop and related phenomena. It reviews incidents of individuals running amok in America and the literature on victim-precipitated murder in general. The book explores the possibility that some murders seek suicide-by-execution and also reviews the research on murder followed by suicide in general. It outlines some of the issues that suicide-by-cop raises for the criminal justice system. The book presents some legal issues raised by incidents. It discusses law enforcement issues, such as how to conduct hostage negotiations and whether police officers need counseling after being involved in such incidents. The book also discusses ways in which the incidence of suicide-by-cop might be reduced in our society.