Approximately 184 law enforcement and corrections officers die by suicide every year. While there is no official single repository tracking police suicides dating back a full 30 years, advocacy groups and researchers estimate that thousands of officers have died by suicide over the last three decades. [1, 2, 3]

What the Data Shows:

• Systematic Data Collection: Proactive and standardized tracking of public safety suicides only became systematic in 2016. Between 2016 and 2022 alone, an analysis of First H.E.L.P. data confirmed 1,287 police suicides, averaging out to 184 deaths per year. [1, 2, 3]
• Historical Estimates: Before 2016, estimates of police suicides relied heavily on sporadic academic studies and self-reporting. Based on the 184-annual average, an estimated 5,500+ officers have died by suicide over the last 30 years.
• The Toll of the Job: Research shows that law enforcement officers are significantly more likely to die by suicide than the general working population. High levels of trauma, operational stress, and a historical stigma around mental health are contributing factors. [1, 2, 3]

Resources & Support:
If you or someone you know is in crisis, immediate, confidential help is available:

• USA: Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. First responders can also text “BLUE” to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.
• International: For localized help, see Blue H.E.L.P.’s Resources or the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Psychological Services. [1]