Identifying the Dynamics of Suicide by cop (In: Suicide and Law Enforcement, edited by D C Sheehan & J I Warren)

It is not known how many cases of suicide-by-cop take place in the United States – they are not uncommon. Education is needed to create awareness of the existence & nature of these incidents within medical examiners’ offices, law enforcement agencies, & the judiciary. Credible analysis of the variables & dynamics of these incidents will permit an understanding of these cases from which interventions can be developed to protect society & the police. This chapter examines 2 case studies of suicide-by-cop & provides a list of diagnostic criteria. JA