Author: Chambers, Linda
Title: An Investigation of Police Officers Bereaved by Police Suicides
Summary: Police suicide represents a major threat to police departments because police officers are at least 8 times more likely to die from suicide than from accidental death. The problem addressed was a lack of organized, authentic suicide prevention programs in core training for police officers. The purpose of this study was threefold: first, to add to the existing body of literature on police suicide; second, to show how seemingly disconnected aspects of law enforcement such as training and police culture are interrelated; and third, explore the need for prevention and intervention strategies. There were 4 research questions used to address: (a)?the impact of a police suicide on fellow officers, (b)?suicide prevention training, (c)?suicide warning signs, and (d)?contingency plans for suicide prevention. The method used was phenomenological interviewing. Collected data were grouped in categorical dimensions using NVivo7 software. Data were coded by using various nodes within NVivo7 to explore content and list detailed hierarchy such as unsolved domestic problems, and suicide intervention training. This helped identify patterns of relationships that described emergent themes. For instance, insufficient training served as a catalyst for participants to educate themselves on suicide prevention. Results were based on emergent themes that illustrated the need for ongoing prevention training. Findings will benefit law enforcement officers and communities they serve, and police leaders will be better informed about the significance of suicide prevention training. This knowledge might solidify the relevance of exposing officers to suicide prevention programs to reduce the incidence of police suicide.
Details: Walden University, 2008. 177p.
Source: Available at the Don M. Gottfredson Library of Criminal Justice, Rutgers University
Year: 2008
Country: United States
URL:
Shelf Number: 123668
Keywords:
BereavementPolice CulturePolice Suicides |
