Suicide within the Law Enforcement Community- Jacob Fregia
In a recent conversation I had with a local Sheriff’s Deputy, he stated the following, “The shootouts aren’t what get you, or even the perpetrators who attempt to resist arrest. It’s constantly dealing with people who find themselves in the worst possible situation, which in turn brings out the worst in people. That’s what gets you.” Our topic of conversation was that of trauma, within our local police departments; and what induces it. The colleague I mention above is a younger deputy, in his early 30’s, who has been in the force for a little less than ten years. He has a wife, and a young child. He is a good officer, with a solid reputation across the county. Though it should not be a surprise that he is now battling anxiety, and depression. As he stated above, it’s not the violent encounters he’s had that bothers him, but rather the constant day to day grind of dealing with people who are at their very worst moments.
Depression, anxiety, and suicide are all plagues that are spreading across our country’s precincts on a biblical magnitude. In 2017, 46 officers were gunned down while on duty. In that same year, one-hundred forty police officers took their own life. I repeat, in the year 2017 three times as many officers took their lives, compared to those who lost theirs while in the line of duty. Though the implications as to why this epidemic is occurring is still unknown there are certain steps that need to be taken as a means to combat this issue.
First of all, this issue should be publicized and discussed with feverence and consistency. The first step to solving a problem, is recognizing that there is a problem at hand. Furthermore, the implementation of licensed healthcare professionals within our law enforcement departments should be of the utmost priority. If we expect for mental health to become a forefront topic within our communities, then the necessary resources should be allocated as a means to help combat these problems. Rather than allowing these issues to maintain taboo, bringing them to the forefront of conversation will allow for positive growth and change.