An average of just under 184 law enforcement officers die by suicide each year, according to a new report. The report — from First HELP and CNA Corporation — found that 1,287 law enforcement suicides were recorded between 2016 and 2022. In 2022, 183 law enforcement suicides were recorded. 2019 saw a peak in law enforcement suicides with 234.
FBI data shows a significantly lower number than the First HELP report, indicating shortfalls in the breadth and depth of its current reporting processes. The FBI only recorded 32 suicides across 22 law enforcement agencies nationwide in 2022.
The report’s detailed breakdown suggests that half of the suicides involved officers from local police departments. Most occurred in departments with 100 or more full-time sworn officers. These findings contradict previous research that suggested smaller agencies may hold a higher suicide risk.
The data shows that most officers were on active duty at the time of their death. Seventeen percent were retired. Other key demographic findings include that the majority of officers were white males, aged around 40, typically in a relationship with children. Depression and PTSD were cited as the most common mental health challenges leading to these tragic outcomes.
The report emphasizes the dire need for a stronger and more accurate national database on law enforcement officer suicides, urging federal agencies to act. Suicide is reaching epidemic levels in America. It takes more soldiers’ lives than war. In 2022, the suicide rate in America reached an 80-year high.
