There is a brutal truth in law enforcement...that an officer is more likely to be a victim of suicide than a homicide. According to Dr. James Herndon in the FBI’s book, Suicide & Law Enforcement, “Everyday, somewhere in America, a law enforcement officer commits suicide.” More officers die from suicide than from line-of-duty deaths, yet little is being done to address this highly preventable loss. Source: In Harm's Way
Law enforcement is a difficult job. With the prevalence of traumatic stress and the ever present firearm too many times officers at the end of their rope turn to suicide.
As someone who has dealt with PTSD, it has been my hope that the emphasis on PTSD prevention and treatment among combat vets returning from Iraq and Afghanistan will eventually filter down to result in more effective treatments for all who suffer from PTSD, be it soldiers, cops, paramedics, or victims. You're not alone. If you need help, get help.
