Disease Risk and Mortality Among Police Officers: New Evidence and Contributing Factors

This follow-up study of 2,376 police officers in Buffalo, N.Y., shows the suicide rate of police officers is almost three times that of other municipal workers. The authors suggest precipitating factors include: lack of support from the administration & public, witnessing abusive violence, loss of control, & problems integrating work & civilian roles. Suicide is usually much lower in a worker population than in the general population & this elevated suicide rate reveals an occupational problem.