Take care of yourself and your Brothers & Sisters in Blue and Brown.
Knowing when you need assistance is a powerful and a tremendous strength. Ask for help and save your life. Be proactive, learn what is available in your area.
| Risk Factors | Clues |
| · Being a cop | · Talking about suicide |
| · Being in isolation | · Feeling trapped or hopeless |
| · Needing Control | · Doing risky or self-destructive things |
| · Deal with trauma often | · Giving away items |
| · Divorce | · Saying goodbye |
| · Alcohol use | · Increase use of alcohol or drugs |
If someone has multiple risk factors, it doesn’t mean that they will die by suicide. You can assist each other by encouraging healthy behaviors. You could exercise with others or do healthy things outside of work like be on a softball team.
For someone with a difficult life with many risk factors, if they are currently living a productive, positive life, they may be fine their entire lives. When you start to see some clues- that is when you need to intervene.
If you observe a warning sign or clue, it is imperative that you ask the question, “Are you thinking about committing suicide?” If you can’t ask it, find someone who can.
The main reason that people commit suicide is because they believe it’s the only solution to their problems or pain, but it is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Below are some great resources on suicide prevention for the Law Enforcement Profession.
- Breaking the Silence video
- Kenosha PD video “Doors”
- Badge of Life
- COPLINE
- National Police Suicide Foundation
- IACP Officer Safety & Wellness
- Prevent Suicide Wisconsin
Hotline numbers:
Safe Call Now (LE Specific) 206-459-3020
Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255 (press 1 to reach the veterans hotline)
