ABSTRACT
This chapter offers an extended and more detailed examination of the suicide precipitators, and refers to precipitators suggested by the research of others. It explores the general causes of suicide, followed by further analysis of police-specific precipitators. Psychologist Ronald Mintz, specifically referring to suicide, demonstrates the different factors that may be involved in suicidal ideation. All of the researchers to whom reference has already been made offer substance abuse, whether involving alcohol or other substances, as a possible contributory factor leading to suicide. American researchers suggest that retirement may be a precipitator for US police officers. Martinez and Violanti both note how officers' feelings of invulnerability can contribute to suicidal ideation. Martinez also emphasises the importance of the breakdown of partner relationships and quotes a police officer who, referring to colleagues who had taken their own lives, explains: The main circumstance was that they were depressed over their personal domestic situation.
