National Consortium on preventing law enforcement suicide: 2023 report and recommendations

Suicide among law enforcement officers is a complex issue and there are many individual and agency factors which can contribute to suicide risk. As compared to the general public, there is an overall higher likelihood of  suicide risk and suicidal behaviors among law enforcement personnel. Police officers have elevated rates of suicide, substance misuse, and divorce compared to other professions. Risk factors for suicide also include mental  health challenges, social isolation, exposure to trauma, and chronic disease and disability. Protective factors include social connectedness, problem-solving skills, access to mental health care, and reasons for living (such  as children). In 2018, in order to further explore these complex issues, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the Education Development Center (EDC) and the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention  launched the National Consortium on Preventing Law Enforcement Suicide with funding and support from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance.