There are those who seek to be killed by the police. Suicide by cop (SBC), victim-precipitated suicide, and decedent-precipitated suicide are contemporary terms for this too frequently observed phenomenon.
Persons intending to be killed by police officers act in ways that compel officers to defend themselves. In the majority of cases, persons so disposed will point a firearm at police officers. Many of these people are armed with functioning, loaded weapons. A percentage of these persons will not hesitate to kill police officers or others in their effort to die at the hands of the police.
Some persons intending SBC are in possession of air, pellet, BB, or replica weapons. They use these to threaten officers. Others have no weapon at all but act as if they do. These persons posture or “draw and point” an object or an empty hand to make officers believe that they are armed.
Some persons indifferent to life will sometimes engage in SBC behavior. They may point a weapon at an officer or otherwise threaten officers and let “fate” decide the outcome. Persons in this frame of mind do not care whether they live or die. They do not comply with officers’ orders, threaten officers, and may compel officers to defend themselves.
Some persons that attempt suicide by cop want to die and have chosen firearms as the means. However, because they do not have a firearm, they choose the police as their instrument of death. In these cases, subterfuge is common.
Many of those seeking to be killed by the police are suffering from depression or other mental disorders. Some have recently undergone a “last straw” life experience.
What about those persons who wish to die by firearms and possess loaded, functional weapons but choose SBC? Why do they not shoot themselves? Several factors are suspected in these cases, including:
1. Social concerns - there is still a social taboo against suicide.
2. Suicide by cop allows suicidal persons to die without actually killing themselves.
3. Fear - an inability to follow through with suicide.
4. Religious prohibitions against suicide (SBC as a religion “loophole”?)
5. Concerns over life insurance policies.
6. Wanting to go out in a blaze - wanting to make the news.
7. Punish, embarrass, or make a public statement to someone.
8. Anger against the police, particular persons, or society.
9. A desire to confront or harm police officers.
10. Psychological inability to kill oneself.
Officers must remain aware that persons considering suicide by cop may be willing to kill police officers or others to fulfill their wish to be killed by police. It is also possible that some persons will actively seek to kill police officers in their plan to be killed by officers.
You cannot bet your life on the probability that a suicidal person is not homicidal. If you have been involved in a suicide by cop, you must remember that the person took away your options to handle the circumstances in any other way.
Persons intending to be killed by police officers act in ways that compel officers to defend themselves. In the majority of cases, persons so disposed will point a firearm at police officers. Many of these people are armed with functioning, loaded weapons. A percentage of these persons will not hesitate to kill police officers or others in their effort to die at the hands of the police.
Some persons intending SBC are in possession of air, pellet, BB, or replica weapons. They use these to threaten officers. Others have no weapon at all but act as if they do. These persons posture or “draw and point” an object or an empty hand to make officers believe that they are armed.
Some persons indifferent to life will sometimes engage in SBC behavior. They may point a weapon at an officer or otherwise threaten officers and let “fate” decide the outcome. Persons in this frame of mind do not care whether they live or die. They do not comply with officers’ orders, threaten officers, and may compel officers to defend themselves.
Some persons that attempt suicide by cop want to die and have chosen firearms as the means. However, because they do not have a firearm, they choose the police as their instrument of death. In these cases, subterfuge is common.
Many of those seeking to be killed by the police are suffering from depression or other mental disorders. Some have recently undergone a “last straw” life experience.
What about those persons who wish to die by firearms and possess loaded, functional weapons but choose SBC? Why do they not shoot themselves? Several factors are suspected in these cases, including:
1. Social concerns - there is still a social taboo against suicide.
2. Suicide by cop allows suicidal persons to die without actually killing themselves.
3. Fear - an inability to follow through with suicide.
4. Religious prohibitions against suicide (SBC as a religion “loophole”?)
5. Concerns over life insurance policies.
6. Wanting to go out in a blaze - wanting to make the news.
7. Punish, embarrass, or make a public statement to someone.
8. Anger against the police, particular persons, or society.
9. A desire to confront or harm police officers.
10. Psychological inability to kill oneself.
Officers must remain aware that persons considering suicide by cop may be willing to kill police officers or others to fulfill their wish to be killed by police. It is also possible that some persons will actively seek to kill police officers in their plan to be killed by officers.
You cannot bet your life on the probability that a suicidal person is not homicidal. If you have been involved in a suicide by cop, you must remember that the person took away your options to handle the circumstances in any other way.
Witness to Suicide
Police officers are frequently called upon to assist persons that have become suicidal. In a significant majority of these cases officers are successful in their efforts to prevent these persons from killing themselves. However, not all “suicidal person” calls end this way.
Some persons kill themselves in the presence of police officers. When officers witness a suicide, the experience can trigger a cascade of emotions. These emotions range from calm indifference to intense anger or feelings of guilt and sorrow. Strong emotional reactions are more likely if the officer is acquainted with the person or if the officer has come to know the person during the time spent trying to keep the person from killing him or herself.
Some factors in police officer emotional response to witnessing a suicide:
Second guessing - “Did I do something that I shouldn’t have, did I not do something that I should have?” (This type of second guessing can lead to unjustified feelings of guilt or inadequacy. Remember, you are not responsible for the person’s behavior).
Age of the person.
Proximity to the person.
Instrument or means of death. ·
Body damage, gore, blood, and death scene.
Efforts at resuscitation - failed rescue attempts.
Perceived personal danger.
Content of officer/person interaction.
Actual circumstance of the incident.
Interaction with the person’s family.
Actions of other officers.
Your personal and family history. (For example – If there has been a suicide in your family or if you lost a close friend to suicide, the incident may reactivate feelings of grief associated with your loss and the past event.)
If you have witnessed a suicide:
Accept your feelings. It is traumatic to witness the death of another person.
Do not blame yourself. It was the person who made the decision. We are all limited in our ability to make others act as we desire, regardless of effort.
Do not forget that there is no perfect way to interact with a person considering suicide. All you can do is manage the interaction in the best way you can.
Understand that you did what you thought was best to help the person.
Take some time to process the incident before returning to shift duties.
You will likely experience some degree of posttraumatic stress.
Manage posttraumatic stress as suggested in 25 Suggestions and Considerations for Officers Involved in a Critical Incident and Recovering from Traumatic Stress (included in the Law Enforcement Critical Incident Handbook).
Avoid alcohol or other drugs as a primary way to manage your feelings.
Seek support: Talk to a trusted peer, supervisor, friend, or family member about your experience and feelings. Initiate contact with your department’s psychologist, peer support team, chaplain, or other available support resource.
Loveland Police Peer Support Team, Tim Brown, LPC LPD, and Jack A. Digliani
Some persons kill themselves in the presence of police officers. When officers witness a suicide, the experience can trigger a cascade of emotions. These emotions range from calm indifference to intense anger or feelings of guilt and sorrow. Strong emotional reactions are more likely if the officer is acquainted with the person or if the officer has come to know the person during the time spent trying to keep the person from killing him or herself.
Some factors in police officer emotional response to witnessing a suicide:
Second guessing - “Did I do something that I shouldn’t have, did I not do something that I should have?” (This type of second guessing can lead to unjustified feelings of guilt or inadequacy. Remember, you are not responsible for the person’s behavior).
Age of the person.
Proximity to the person.
Instrument or means of death. ·
Body damage, gore, blood, and death scene.
Efforts at resuscitation - failed rescue attempts.
Perceived personal danger.
Content of officer/person interaction.
Actual circumstance of the incident.
Interaction with the person’s family.
Actions of other officers.
Your personal and family history. (For example – If there has been a suicide in your family or if you lost a close friend to suicide, the incident may reactivate feelings of grief associated with your loss and the past event.)
If you have witnessed a suicide:
Accept your feelings. It is traumatic to witness the death of another person.
Do not blame yourself. It was the person who made the decision. We are all limited in our ability to make others act as we desire, regardless of effort.
Do not forget that there is no perfect way to interact with a person considering suicide. All you can do is manage the interaction in the best way you can.
Understand that you did what you thought was best to help the person.
Take some time to process the incident before returning to shift duties.
You will likely experience some degree of posttraumatic stress.
Manage posttraumatic stress as suggested in 25 Suggestions and Considerations for Officers Involved in a Critical Incident and Recovering from Traumatic Stress (included in the Law Enforcement Critical Incident Handbook).
Avoid alcohol or other drugs as a primary way to manage your feelings.
Seek support: Talk to a trusted peer, supervisor, friend, or family member about your experience and feelings. Initiate contact with your department’s psychologist, peer support team, chaplain, or other available support resource.
Loveland Police Peer Support Team, Tim Brown, LPC LPD, and Jack A. Digliani
Suicide and Alcohol
Alcohol, like all drugs, is dose dependent. In low concentrations in the body alcohol is a behavioral disinhibitor. This is why after a few drinks, persons are
more likely to engage in behavior that would not be considered when
sober. In higher body concentrations alcohol depresses central nervous system activity. This results in the lethargy and the cognitive impairment seen in alcohol intoxication. If dosing continues, this latter effect will render the person unconsciousness. If enough alcohol has been consumed prior to unconsciousness, death will ensue.
Some persons that struggle with mild thoughts of suicide become more suicidal when intoxicated. This is due to alcohol’s thought altering properties. Intensified suicidal thoughts due to alcohol consumption, in combination with alcohol's behavior disinhibiting effect, make it more likely that an intoxicated person will impulsively act out suicidal thoughts. This circumstance is especially dangerous if there is a handgun or other lethal means of self-harm easily available.
Some suicidal persons will anesthetize themselves with alcohol before attempting suicide. In such cases alcohol may function in two ways, (1) reduced inhibition of suicidal behavior and (2) emotional numbing. Most persons who are suicidal when intoxicated are not suicidal when sober. This makes detoxification the primary intervention of intoxicated suicidal persons.
Some persons that struggle with mild thoughts of suicide become more suicidal when intoxicated. This is due to alcohol’s thought altering properties. Intensified suicidal thoughts due to alcohol consumption, in combination with alcohol's behavior disinhibiting effect, make it more likely that an intoxicated person will impulsively act out suicidal thoughts. This circumstance is especially dangerous if there is a handgun or other lethal means of self-harm easily available.
Some suicidal persons will anesthetize themselves with alcohol before attempting suicide. In such cases alcohol may function in two ways, (1) reduced inhibition of suicidal behavior and (2) emotional numbing. Most persons who are suicidal when intoxicated are not suicidal when sober. This makes detoxification the primary intervention of intoxicated suicidal persons.
Helping a Person that is Suicidal
Dial 988 for help 24/7
The following guidelines may be useful when trying to help a person that is suicidal.
1) Take all suicidal comments and behaviors seriously.
2) Initiate a conversation. Express your concern and willingness to help. Listen closely without being judgmental.
3) If the person is intoxicated, arrange for detoxification. If the person is known to have an ongoing alcohol or substance use problem, support and encourage the person to seek and engage appropriate treatment.
4) Be mindful of what you say because the person may be overly sensitive to your remarks, but you do not have to "walk on eggshells." Be yourself.
5) Remain calm: the person may express strong emotion. This will normally dissipate naturally. You may also be emotionally affected. Accept your emotions as a natural and normal part of your caring interaction.
6) Acknowledge the person’s difficulties without minimization or overstatement. Do not joke about what is serious to the person.
7) Avoid trying to "cheer up" the person. Instead, focus on listening and supporting.
8) Avoid providing problem solutions or recommendations unless asked. Encourage the person to seek professional assistance if necessary. Maintain your personal boundaries.
9) Bring the issue of suicide into the open. Ask about the person’s current thoughts and feelings about suicide.
10) Ask about past suicidal thoughts, feelings, and attempts.
11) Ask about the availability of lethal means for suicide. Easy access to firearms is especially dangerous.
12) Remove firearms and other lethal means of suicide if necessary. Control potentially lethal prescribed medications or street drugs if warranted. 13) Determine if there is a suicidal plan – the more detailed and complete the plan, the greater the suicidal risk.
14) Suicidal thoughts are often the result of depression. Talk to the person about depression and the fact that depression can be effectively treated. Assure the person that with appropriate treatment for depression, suicidal thoughts and the feeling of wanting to die will diminish. Help to provide realistic hope.
15) Do not hesitate to ask for help: (1) from the suicidal person; ask the person to cooperate with you and your efforts to assist, (2) from others if warranted; ask appropriate others to assist you in your efforts to help the suicidal person.
16) If the person is not imminently suicidal, spend some time talking, “provide an ear,” and offer emotional support. Depending on the circumstances and your relationship, encourage, assist, or insist that the person engage professional services. If warranted, arrange for the person to be with others 24/7 for continued support and to add an additional level of person-safety.
17) If you feel that the person is imminently suicidal do not leave him or her alone. Contact the police or other emergency resource. Do this even if the person objects. Keep in mind that if the person refuses voluntary intervention, emergency involuntary evaluation and treatment may be necessary.
18) If you feel that the person is somewhat suicidal but you do not feel competent to assess the level of suicidality, do not leave him or her alone. Contact the police or other available assessment and support resource. Do this even if the person objects. This is the best way to keep the person safe.
19) Do not keep a suicidal secret, even if requested to do so. If necessary, gently explain that you must share the information provided to you and that you must contact appropriate others.
20) Follow up as appropriate. Factors influencing appropriate follow up include the degree of suicidality, your history with the person, your current relationship with the person, the current circumstances, how much future involvement you are willing to have with the person, and anticipated future circumstances.
1) Take all suicidal comments and behaviors seriously.
2) Initiate a conversation. Express your concern and willingness to help. Listen closely without being judgmental.
3) If the person is intoxicated, arrange for detoxification. If the person is known to have an ongoing alcohol or substance use problem, support and encourage the person to seek and engage appropriate treatment.
4) Be mindful of what you say because the person may be overly sensitive to your remarks, but you do not have to "walk on eggshells." Be yourself.
5) Remain calm: the person may express strong emotion. This will normally dissipate naturally. You may also be emotionally affected. Accept your emotions as a natural and normal part of your caring interaction.
6) Acknowledge the person’s difficulties without minimization or overstatement. Do not joke about what is serious to the person.
7) Avoid trying to "cheer up" the person. Instead, focus on listening and supporting.
8) Avoid providing problem solutions or recommendations unless asked. Encourage the person to seek professional assistance if necessary. Maintain your personal boundaries.
9) Bring the issue of suicide into the open. Ask about the person’s current thoughts and feelings about suicide.
10) Ask about past suicidal thoughts, feelings, and attempts.
11) Ask about the availability of lethal means for suicide. Easy access to firearms is especially dangerous.
12) Remove firearms and other lethal means of suicide if necessary. Control potentially lethal prescribed medications or street drugs if warranted. 13) Determine if there is a suicidal plan – the more detailed and complete the plan, the greater the suicidal risk.
14) Suicidal thoughts are often the result of depression. Talk to the person about depression and the fact that depression can be effectively treated. Assure the person that with appropriate treatment for depression, suicidal thoughts and the feeling of wanting to die will diminish. Help to provide realistic hope.
15) Do not hesitate to ask for help: (1) from the suicidal person; ask the person to cooperate with you and your efforts to assist, (2) from others if warranted; ask appropriate others to assist you in your efforts to help the suicidal person.
16) If the person is not imminently suicidal, spend some time talking, “provide an ear,” and offer emotional support. Depending on the circumstances and your relationship, encourage, assist, or insist that the person engage professional services. If warranted, arrange for the person to be with others 24/7 for continued support and to add an additional level of person-safety.
17) If you feel that the person is imminently suicidal do not leave him or her alone. Contact the police or other emergency resource. Do this even if the person objects. Keep in mind that if the person refuses voluntary intervention, emergency involuntary evaluation and treatment may be necessary.
18) If you feel that the person is somewhat suicidal but you do not feel competent to assess the level of suicidality, do not leave him or her alone. Contact the police or other available assessment and support resource. Do this even if the person objects. This is the best way to keep the person safe.
19) Do not keep a suicidal secret, even if requested to do so. If necessary, gently explain that you must share the information provided to you and that you must contact appropriate others.
20) Follow up as appropriate. Factors influencing appropriate follow up include the degree of suicidality, your history with the person, your current relationship with the person, the current circumstances, how much future involvement you are willing to have with the person, and anticipated future circumstances.
Safe Call Now: Confidential Help for Police Officers
Police Officer Stress and Suicide Hotline
Dial 988 for Assistance 24/7
Confidential help available 24/7 for police officers.
Call: 1-206-459-3020
Dial 988 for Assistance 24/7
Confidential help available 24/7 for police officers.
Call: 1-206-459-3020