Suicide Prevention for Sworn and Civilian Law Enforcement Personnel

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM ET

Location: 253B

Submitter(s)

Michael David

Social Science Analyst
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)
Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Speaker(s)

Megan Amaturo

Senior Project Manager
International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)
Mandee Kampbell

Sergeant
Omaha (NE) Police Department
Omaha, Nebraska, United States
HC

Hugh Clements

Director
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
SE

Sarah Estill

Social Science Analyst
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Anthony Landry

Director/Coordinator
Commonwealth 911 Peer Support
Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Suicide is always a tragedy. Every suicide has a profound impact on family, friends, coworkers, and departments. The long-standing stigma against mental health care in law enforcement has led to a culture of silence about suicide, how to recognize warning signs, and how to interrupt and assist individuals experiencing suicidal ideation. Suicide prevention was one of the three areas of interest that the U.S. Congress identified for the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services when it created the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Program in 2017, and it remains one of the program's core concerns. Departments across the United States are directly addressing suicide prevention, and this panel will demonstrate how having open and honest conversations about suicide can save lives.