Suicide in police--a critical review

Suicide Life Threat Behav. 2001 Summer;31(2):224-33. doi: 10.1521/suli.31.2.224.21513.

Abstract

Police officers are commonly referred to as a high-risk group for suicide. So far no comprehensive review has been published about epidemiologic studies among police. This article systematically explores the worldwide literature on suicide in police. None of the recent nationwide studies show elevated suicide rates among police. Other studies show inconsistent results. Conclusively, it is not documented that there is an elevated suicide rate in police. A particular problem in previous research has been methodological shortcomings. There is need for further systematic research, and this review points out some strategies of research.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis

MeSH terms

  • Bias
  • Cause of Death
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Humans
  • Police / statistics & numerical data*
  • Risk
  • Suicide / psychology
  • Suicide / statistics & numerical data*
  • Suicide, Attempted / psychology
  • Suicide, Attempted / statistics & numerical data*