Transcript Law Enforcement Suicide

Law Enforcement Suicide
Tactics for Prevention
and Intervention
“Making Strides to Save Lives.”
The Tragedy of Suicide….
Death rarely allows for elegant departures and
tidy farewells. It comes between people
randomly. Someone is left with the anguish of
having been left unilaterally and unfairly. The
leaving is not so bad when there is an agreed
understanding beforehand, when there is time
and space for a goodbye. It’s when there is no
goodbye, or worse, a bad goodbye, that death
becomes hateful, leaving one with a feeling of
incompletion and irresolution.
~ Alla Bozarth-Campbell, Ph.D. ~
Suicide
• A permanent solution to a
temporary situation…..
• “The Forever Decision”
• “Officers of the law are twice as likely to
put a gun to their heads as be killed by
someone else, and yet they are trained as
if exactly the opposite were true.”
• [Turvey]
Ralph Slovenko
• “Approximately 80 percent of
suicides have communicated
their intent…...”
• From the forward of Dr. John Violanti’s book,
“Police Suicide;Epidemic in Blue”
Paul Quinnett, Ph.D.
Executive Director – QPR Institute
• “Now that we know
suicide is preventable, the
race is between education
and tragedy.”
The Experts Speak
• “Although
suicide is always
complex and multifactorial,
most experts feel the majority of
suicides remain preventable.”
Dr. Paul Quinnett, FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin
The “Real Truth”
• Not a very pretty picture but the facts are:
• Police officers are 8 times more likely to die
from suicide than homicide.
• 3 times more likely to die from suicide than
from accidental causes.
• What is the true survival skill we seem to be
missing?
What we know…. and don’t know
• United States Law Enforcement
Personnel as of October 2000
• 708,000 Full Time Sworn Officers
(State, County, and City)
U.S. Department of Justice
Bureau of Justice Statistics – Oct. 2002
John Violanti, Ph.D. and The L.A.
County Sheriff’s Department
• Dr. Violanti – Through data and research at
the University of Buffalo feels the rate for
law enforcement is 17-21 per 100,000
• Los Angeles County Sheriff puts the L.E.
rate at 18 per 100,000
At 700,000 + Sworn Law
Enforcement Officers
• At 18 per 100,000 the yearly total would be
126 to 130 law enforcement suicides per
year
• At 21 per 100,000 the total would be 147
The Magnitude of the Problem
• NYPD (1985-98) Suicides =87, LODD=36
Compared to the National Rate: +29.1%
• Chicago PD (1990-98) Suicides =22 LODD=12
Compared to the National Rate: + 50.9%
• FBI (1993-98) Suicides =18, LODD= 4
Compared to the National Rate: + 116.6%
• LAPD (1990-98) Suicides =20, LODD=11
Compared to National Rate: + 72.5%
Ranked Factors in Law
Enforcement suicide
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Responses by NYPD Survey
Depression
Relationship conflicts or personal losses
Easy access to firearms
Drug and alcohol abuse
Financial difficulty
Internal investigations
A Word About Depression…
The #1 cause of completed suicide
The common cold of modern life….
• Has biological foundations - Serotonin
• Very highly treatable if detected and
acknowledged
• Wishing to be dead is a frequent symptom
of untreated depression
A word about alcohol…
• Alcohol dissolves the “wall of resistance”
that often keeps suicidal individuals alive.
• Alcohol is found in the blood of most
completed suicides – whether or not they
were problem drinkers.
• ALCOHOL MAKES DEPRESSION
WORSE!
The Myths of Suicide
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Happens without warning
Low Risk after mood improvement
Once suicidal, always suicidal
Is intent on dying
It’s so rare, they won’t do it
Runs in the family
No note – not a suicide
Don’t ignore these behaviors
• May be more aggressive when handling serious
calls or situations – risk taking behavior
• Cries often
• Seems more agitated or nervous
• Letters or communications to close friends
outlining wishes if, “Something happens to me.”
• Seems to lose their love of the profession /
becomes disillusioned
• Giving away possessions
• Has tried to commit suicide before
Verbal Clues
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I wish I were dead
I’m going to kill myself
I can’t take the way I feel any longer
I’m really getting tired of life
There is no meaning for anything anymore
I just can’t take the pain
You’d be better off without me
Nobody needs me anymore
Do’s of Intervention
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Remain Calm – Don’t seem shocked
Help define the problem
Rephrase thoughts
Focus on central issue
Stay close
Emphasize the temporary nature of the problem
LISTEN***LISTEN***LISTEN
Important Questions
• Have you been thinking of killing yourself?
• How would you do it? Do you have the
means available?
• Has anyone in your family committed
suicide?
• What are the odds you will kill yourself?
• What has been keeping you alive so far?
• What does the future hold for you?
The Do Nots of Intervention
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DON”T OVERLOOK THE SIGNS !
Don’t sound shocked
Don’t offer empty promises
Never debate morality
Never leave the person alone
Don’t remain the only person helping
“Reach Out with Hope”
• VIDEO
Law Enforcement Suicide
Prevention and Intervention
with the QPR Model
• Question the meaning of suicidal
communication.
• Persuade the person to get help.
• Refer to competent counseling.
QPR Introduction
(CD)
QPR
• Ask a question…..Save a life!
QPR
• QPR is not intended to be a form
of counseling or treatment.
• QPR is intended to offer hope
through positive action.
QPR – Suicide Myths and Facts
• Myth No one can stop a suicide, it is
inevitable.
• Fact The majority of people in crisis
who get the help they need will
never be suicidal again.
QPR - Suicide Myths and facts
• Myth
• Fact
Confronting a person about suicide
will only make them angry and
increase the risk of suicide
Asking someone directly about
suicidal intent lowers anxiety,
opens up communications, and
lowers the risk of an impulsive act.
QPR - Myths and Facts
• Myth
Only Experts can prevent suicide
• Fact
Suicide prevention is everybody’s
business and anyone, with training,
can prevent the tragedy of suicide.
QPR – Myths and Facts
• Myth
Suicidal people keep their plans to
themselves
• Fact
Most suicidal people communicate
their intent to someone within one
week of completing suicide
QPR – Myths and Facts
• Myth
Those who talk about suicide just
won’t do it.
• Fact
Those who talk about suicide may
try or even complete an act of self
destruction.
QPR – Myths and Facts
• Myth
Once a person decides to complete
suicide, there is nothing anyone
can do to stop them.
• Fact
Suicide is viewed as the most
preventable form of death and
almost any positive action may
save a life.
Suicide Warning Signs
• The more clues and signs
observed, the greater the risk.
Take all signs seriously.
Direct Verbal Clues
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“I’ve decided to kill myself.”
“I wish I were dead.”
“I’m going to commit suicide.”
“I’m going to end it all.”
“If (such and such) doesn’t happen I’m
going to kill myself
Indirect or “Coded” Clues
• “I’m so tired of life I just can’t go on.”
• “My family would be better off without
me.”
• “Who cares if I’m dead anyway.”
• “I just want out.”
• “I won’t be around much longer.”
• “Pretty soon you won’t have to worry about
me.”
QPR….Behavioral Clues
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Any previous suicide attempt
Stockpiling pills
Co-occuring depression, moodiness, hopelessness
Putting personal affairs in order
Giving away prized possessions
Sudden interest or disinterest in religion
Drug or alcohol abuse or relapse after period of
recovery
Situational Clues
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Being terminated or an IA investigation
A recent unwanted move
Loss of any major relationship (red flag)
Death of a close loved one or cherished friend
especially if by suicide
• Diagnosis of a serious or terminal illness
• Sudden unexpected loss of freedom / fear of
punishment
• Anticipated loss of financial security
Situational Clues, cont.
• Loss of a cherished therapist or counselor.
• A fear of becoming a burden to others.
Tips for asking the suicide
question…
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If in doubt, don’t wait, ask the question.
If the person is reluctant, be persistent
Find a private setting for your talk
Allow the person to talk freely
Give yourself plenty of time
Know what resources you have. QPR Card,
phone numbers, counselors names and
numbers, etc.
REMEMBER…………..
• HOW YOU ASK THE QUESTION IS
LESS IMPORTANT THAN THAT YOU
ASK.
How to Ask the Suicide Question
-Less Direct Approach• “Have you been unhappy lately?” “Have
you been very unhappy lately?” “Have you
been so unhappy lately that you’ve been
thinking of ending your life?”
• “Do you ever wish you could go to sleep
and never wake up?”
The Suicide Question
-Direct Approach• “You know, when people are as upset as you
seem to be, they sometimes wish they were
dead.” I’m wondering if you feel that way
too?”
• You look pretty miserable. Have you been
thinking of killing yourself ?”
• “Are you thinking about killing yourself ?”
(If you can’t ask the question, find someone who can)
P = Persuade
How to persuade someone to stay alive
• Listen to the problem with your full
attention.
• Remember, suicide is not the problem, only
the solution to a perceived insoluble
problem.
• Do not rush judgment.
• Offer hope in any form.
P = Persuade
Then Ask:
• “Will you go with me to get help ?”
• “Will you let me help you get help?”
• “We’re in this together, let’s get you back
on track”
YOUR WILLINGNESS TO LISTEN AND
HELP CAN REKINDLE HOPE AND
MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE!!
R = Refer
• Suicidal people sometimes feel they can’t
be helped so you may have to do more.
• The best referral involves taking the person
to immediate help.
Remember
• Since almost all efforts to persuade
someone to live instead of attempt suicide
will be met with agreement and relief, don’t
hesitate to get involved or take the lead.
Very Important!!
• In a suicide intervention, you will use your
communication skills.
• Patience, compassion, understanding, and
listening skills will all come into play.
• INSURE you have a plan in place and a
competent, qualified mental health
professional identified.
For Effective QPR
• Say, “I want you to live, or “I’m on your
side….we’ll get through this.”
• Get others involved. Ask the person who
else might help. Family? Friends? Brothers
or Sisters? Clergy? Physician?
For Effective QPR
• Offer to work with the MHP or whoever
will be assisting the person toward recovery.
• Follow up with a simple visit, phone call,
or card. Let them know you care about
them. Caring may save a life.
Please Remember
• WHEN YOU APPLY THE
CONCEPTS OF QPR, YOU
PLANT THE SEEDS OF
HOPE. HOPE HELPS
PREVENT SUICIDE.
“Rolling Backup”
Video