The job of a peace officer is physically and mentally demanding, stressful, unpredictable and dangerous. Each day, officers respond to calls for service ranging from mental health crises and domestic disputes to violent criminal actions such as homicides, shootings and assaults. No two calls are ever the same, requiring officers to remain hypervigilant, ready to respond at a moment’s notice and to make split-second decisions amid tense situations to protect their communities — often running toward threats and putting their lives on the line.

The inherent nature and hazards of the job, coupled with prolonged exposure to violent and traumatic incidents, take a toll on the minds and bodies of those who wear the uniform, making them susceptible to chronic stress that contributes not only to a host of serious physical issues such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure, but also to mental health problems including anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). When the weight of the badge becomes too heavy and the stigma of seeking help, whether from fear of being deemed unfit for duty or of being perceived as weak, prevents officers from getting the support they need, they often turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms. They may find temporary relief in alcohol, drugs and reckless activities to avoid processing their trauma, downplay the impact of a critical incident or numb their emotions.

Perhaps worst of all, many also contemplate self-harm and taking their own lives. In fact, more officers kill themselves every year than are killed in the line of duty. In recognition of National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month and of National Law Enforcement Suicide Awareness Day this Friday, September 26, LAAPOA is committed to bringing attention to and educating our members and supporters about this public health issue and epidemic in the law enforcement profession.

“We dedicate this article to our brothers and sisters who suffered in silence and tragically left us far too soon,” LAAPOA President Marshall McClain says. “It is important to remember that resources and people are available to help when the job becomes overwhelming. You don’t have to ‘toughen up’ or hide the stress or emotional pain you are feeling. Times have changed, and our understanding of the impact this profession has on our health and well-being is far greater than it was a decade ago. It is time to end the stigma around seeking help. To our members, know that the LAAPOA Board and your colleagues are always here to support you in times of need. Just reach out.”

Here are a few facts about suicide and its impact on the profession, along with law enforcement–focused resources available to those who are struggling and in need of help.

Rates on the rise: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. According to the latest statistics, more than 49,000 people in the U.S. died by suicide in 2023, representing one death every 11 minutes. The number of adults who seriously considered suicide was even higher, with 12.8 million reporting suicidal ideation and 1.5 million attempting suicide. Suicidal behavior affects people of all ages, genders and backgrounds; however, some groups experience disproportionately high rates. For example, in 2023, the suicide rate among men was approximately four times higher than among women, accounting for nearly 80% of all suicides. (This statistic is especially concerning considering about 86% of police officers are male.)

Police officers are at a greater risk: Several studies have shown that due to the nature of their work, police officers face a higher risk of suicide compared to both the general population and the average American worker. According to First H.E.L.P., at least 184 peace officers die by suicide each year, compared with an average of about 57 officers feloniously killed by suspects annually, based on FBI data. A report by First HELP, conducted in partnership with CNA Corporation, examined this issue in depth and found that 1,287 law enforcement and corrections personnel nationwide died by suicide between 2016 and 2022.

Trauma and mental health: Officers are also at greater risk of developing mental health disorders, such as depression or substance abuse, which are closely linked to suicide and often stem from the cumulative impact of repeated exposure to trauma on the job. Research from the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) shows that PTSD among officers is five times more prevalent than in the general population, and that approximately one in 15 officers is currently experiencing depression or will at some point in their careers. In recent years, many police leaders and agencies have recognized the toll the profession takes on officers and have worked to reduce the stigma around mental health care. They have expanded access to confidential employee assistance programs (EAPs), peer support initiatives, wellness tools and apps that connect officers with vetted, culturally competent resources, and have built broad networks of regional partnerships with mental health and wellness organizations.

More data needed: Despite the studies, facts and figures available, more comprehensive data is still needed to fully understand the scope of this epidemic in the profession. PERF has noted that even with the work of organizations like First H.E.L.P., there is no central repository tracking the number of suicides among law enforcement officers or the circumstances surrounding them, and much of the recorded data is incomplete, likely underrepresenting the true number of suicide deaths. In 2020, the federal government took an important step toward closing this information gap by passing the Law Enforcement Suicide Data Collection Act, which is aimed at helping local, tribal, state and federal agencies better understand and prevent suicides among current and former law enforcement officers, corrections employees, 9-1-1 operators, judges and prosecutors through data collected by the FBI.

Advocacy and awareness: To help bring attention to this issue in the profession, Blue H.E.L.P. created National Law Enforcement Suicide Awareness Day in 2020. Observed annually on September 26, this day was established to honor the service of officers lost to suicide, raise awareness about suicide in law enforcement, and remind officers and their families that they are not alone and that help is available. The observance also seeks to reduce the stigma surrounding seeking support and to emphasize that one moment in time does not define a life. Blue H.E.L.P. encourages participation by joining awareness walks, offering to listen to those who may be feeling depressed or isolated and reminding first responders that they are valued members of the communities they serve.

You are not alone: Numerous organizations provide mental health support for law enforcement officers who are having a difficult time coping with the effects of the job, both on and off duty. If you’re experiencing emotional distress or thoughts of suicide, or if you know of a colleague, friend or family member who is struggling, please know that help is available. Below are some national resources, including many specifically designed for law enforcement, that can provide information or connect you with assistance (list courtesy of American Police Beat).

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 24/7, free, confidential support for people in distress, plus prevention and crisis resources. Dial 9-8-8 to connect with a crisis counselor.
• Blue H.E.L.P.: Honoring the service of those lost to suicide while working to reduce stigma through education and assist officers in their search for healing.
• CopLine: A 24/7, 100% confidential helpline for officers and their families, answered by retired police officers. Call (800) 267-5463.
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a live, trained crisis counselor.
• First H.E.L.P.: An online database that matches first responders with the help they need.
• First Responder Support Network: Educational treatment programs to promote recovery from stress and critical incidents experienced by first responders and their families.
• Safe Call Now: A confidential, comprehensive, 24-hour crisis referral service for all public safety employees, emergency services personnel and their family members nationwide. Call (206) 459-3020.
• Suicide Prevention Resource Center — Law Enforcement: Materials, programs, trainings and other suicide prevention information for law enforcement.
• VALOR Officer Safety and Wellness Program: The U.S. Bureau of Justice Assistance’s Preventing Violence Against Law Enforcement and Ensuring Officer Resilience and Survivability (VALOR) Initiative offers resources and education to prevent injuries to officers and improve their health and resilience.
• Veterans Crisis Line: Confidential, 24/7 hotline for military veterans to reach caring, qualified responders with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, many of them veterans themselves. Dial 9-8-8 and then press 1, or text 838255.