• Police Officers work under psychologically traumatic occupational experiences.
• A sizeable number of law enforcement officers experience psychological distress, such as depression and anxiety with profound repercussions of poor mental health.
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According to WHO, 703,000 people take their own life annually and many more people attempt suicide.
Each suicide is a tragedy that affects families, communities and entire countries and has long-lasting effects on the people left behind.
Law enforcement officers often confront grueling and psychologically strenuous circumstances that negatively impact their mental and emotional health.
Tragically, law enforcement officers are more likely to die from suicide than in the line of duty.
Suicide among law enforcement officers is rampant across the world. Law enforcement officers often have a firearm at their disposal including at home.
Most suicides by law enforcement officers are usually through the misuse of their weapons.
Suicide attempts globally among the public are not fatal. However, when the firearm is involved, the chances of a suicide attempt becoming fatal increase.
Police Officers work under psychologically traumatic occupational experiences.
A sizeable number of law enforcement officers experience psychological distress, such as depression and anxiety with profound repercussions of poor mental health.
This potentially increases the risk of suicide attempts or deaths by suicide among security agents.
It is imperative to recognize key predictors of suicide ideation among law enforcement officers in Kenya.
Post-traumatic stress occasioned by exposure to traumatic experiences causes severe psychological effects and is a key cause of suicide ideation among security officers.
Security officers are often faced with traumatic situations involving fatal accidents, a variety of crimes, homicide, suicide, child abuse and rape among other traumatic experiences.
It is imperative to note that life in law enforcement entails a life of vigilance often punctuated by episodes of traumatic experiences including violence.
Such experiences can precipitate a traumatic response that could trigger suicidal behavior.
Police officers seldom have closure of some traumatic experiences. Some sensitive cases don’t allow officers to speak openly.
Sometimes there are witnesses to protect, evidence involved and investigations to preserve.
The police service previously was notorious for propagating a culture of repression and omission compounding the situation and leading to hopelessness.
Some serving law enforcement officers turn to alcohol abuse as a coping strategy. When a stressed officer tends to alcohol abuse, the brain temporarily calms down and gets temporary relief.
However, the underlying trauma doesn’t disappear. Sadly, the brain cells become chemically dependent on alcohol rendering controlling behavior very difficult.
Another common predictor of suicide ideation among law enforcement officers is family separation due to the nature of their work.
This occasions relationship gaps within the family and lack of warmth and affection that can subsequently lead to mental problems due to inadequate family emotional support.
Police officers who are separated from their families are considered to be at increased risk for suicide, including self-aggression that may be extended to others.
It is commendable that The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) is promoting mental health wellness among its officers as part of the ongoing efforts to enhance their welfare across the country.
The NPSC has been organizing counseling sessions to equip the officers with appropriate guidance on stress management, positive coping methods, and personal development.
Suicide prevention is a collective effort and NPSC requires support from well-wishers in order to adequately address the epidemic.
Conclusion
It’s imperative to note that suicide is a serious snowballing public health concern for law enforcement officers that the National Police Service Commission must prioritize to ensure that every officer considers their psychological health and that of their colleagues a priority.
Changing the police culture surrounding mental health and the help-seeking behaviors of law enforcement officers will change the mounting epidemic of police suicide.
It must be underscored that suicide is treatable and preventable.
Eliud Muriithi, Director Commercial Services, KEMSA