Victim-Precipitated Homicide: Police use of Deadly Force in British Columbia

This article discusses “suicide by cop” or victim-precipitated homicide. Officers’ reactions to their actions are discussed, as well as their perceptual changes experienced during the dangerous situation. Case studies of some of the situations are also detailed. Differences and common traits among victims, as well as reasons why “suicide by cop” would be chosen as the method of death are explored. The study was done by interviewing members of the RCMP in British Columbia. (26 refs.)