ABSTRACT
The classical approach to prevention, whether mental health or public health is prevention/intervention/postvention. Research shows that educating police officers, professionals, and the general public about the fact that suicide is a problem, that there is a stigma, what clues to look for, and where to get help, is effective. Although most police services have peer support programs, these become mandatory in suicide prevention. Fellow officers, after psychological assessment, should be trained in suicide prevention and mental health in general, within the Psychological Services Section. The police service should train all police officers in suicide and its prevention. The suicide training program should include recognition of emotional disturbances, police stress, posttraumatic reactions, suicide clues, and prevention strategies. Healthy police services contribute to the overall wellness of individuals’ psychological health and resilience by reinforcing fair practices and open communication among all levels of the service.
