Death by Their own Hands: Have we Failed to Protect our Protectors? (In: Suicide and Law Enforcement, edited by D C Sheehan & J I Warren)

Twice as many peace officers reportedly die by suicide as are killed in the line of duty. Has suicide among law enforcement become an epidemic? If so, what is the cause? More important, what is the cure? Many obstacles interfere with research on law enforcement suicide, including the natural reticence of families & law enforcement agencies to discuss the issue & their reluctance to classify a particular death as resulting from suicide. It is also difficult to find appropriate comparison groups & it is often unclear exactly who is being identified as a peace officer. JA