Assessment of Police Calls for Suicidal Behavior in a Concentrated Urban Setting

This study assessed 5-year patterns of police calls for suicidal behaviour in Toronto. Police responded to an average of 1,422 calls for suicidal behaviour per year, 15% of which involved completed suicides (24% of male callers & 8% of female callers). Calls for suicidal behaviour increased by 4% among males & 17% among females over the study period. The rates of completed suicides decreased by 22% among males & 31% among females. Results highlight the importance of understanding changes in patterns & types of suicidal behaviour to police training & preparedness. (10 refs.)