Preventing Correctional and Law Enforcement Officer Suicide
Posted by Scott Packard on Thu, Mar 11, 2010 @ 08:30 AM
It’s no secret that corrections and law enforcement officers work in hostile environments day in and day out. On top of their work, they come home and face the same daily domestic pressures of home life as the rest of us, such as financial, family, and personal issues.
According to this corrections.comarticle; here are the suicide rates for males ranging from age 25-64, per 100,000:
Corrections Officers – 34.8
Police Officers – 15.1
General Population – 14.0
These staggering numbers for corrections officers transcend geography, race, and age. In fact, suicide amongst C.O.’s is even high across the world, in countries such as Canadaand South Africa.
Thankfully, there is an outlet for corrections and law enforcement personnel. If you are having thoughts of suicide, please talk to somebody. This can include your jail commander, spiritual leader, or even professional help. You can also contact the Ventline, a place where C.O.’s can call anonymously and vent their frustrations, at 866-YOU-VENT, or place an email at youvent@desertwaters.com.
And if you work with somebody who may be contemplating suicide, please take a proactive stance and make sure they get help, even if it’s just lending an ear from time to time.