The suicide deaths of four current and former Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department employees over a 24-hour span have prompted a plea from Sheriff Robert Luna urging deputies to check on the well-being of their colleagues and friends.
“We are stunned to learn of these deaths, and it has sent shock waves of emotions throughout the department as we try and cope with the loss of not just one, but four beloved active and retired members of our department family,” Luna said in an emailed statement Tuesday. “During trying times like these it’s important for personnel regardless of rank or position to check on the well-being of other colleagues and friends.”
Luna said he had the “deepest concern for our employees’ well-being,” adding that the department was “urgently exploring avenues to reduce work stress factors to support our employees’ work and personal lives.” He said the department’s Homicide Bureau would investigate the deaths.
There is no indication that the deaths were related or that foul play was involved, but department sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the ongoing investigation said the third and fourth deaths were discovered as word of the earlier deaths were spreading through the agency.
Luna’s comments came a day after the suicides of one former and three current employees, which occurred within a 24-hour span that began Monday.
Full story: Four current and former L.A. Sheriff’s Department employees died by suicide in a 24-hour span
Why is the alarming rate of police suicides persisting, and what underlying factors contribute to this devastating issue? Police suicide is a critical problem that not only affects individual officers but also impacts the entire law enforcement community and society at large. The demanding nature of police work, exposure to trauma, and the stigma surrounding mental health within the profession all contribute to the vulnerability of officers. The pervasive culture of silence and the reluctance to seek help further exacerbate the problem. To address this crisis, an intricate and well-thought out approach is crucial. First, fostering an open dialogue about mental health within police departments can help reduce stigma and encourage officers to seek support. Implementing regular mental health check-ins, counseling services, and training programs to equip officers with coping mechanisms are essential steps. Creating a supportive environment that prioritizes mental well-being is key to safeguarding those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.
Raegan, I agree with you that the stigma that surrounds mental health within law enforcement is a major contributing factor to suicides. Unfortunately, I believe it will take a generational change to remove this stigma. Over the history of policing, we have seen a greater focus on mental health and newer officers are starting to embrace this and recognize it as a problem. Only when it is acceptable throughout the entire police culture can we get rid of this stigma and that will only come with time.
Hi Raegan, I agree with you, police work is not a light hearted job and should be taken more seriously. Officers have to deal with pretty traumatic things and there should be some sort of counseling and support groups. How many more officers have to die before we take action on getting them help? With all the codes and rules departments have and have to follow, can there be something added in about mandatory counseling after a traumatic event? Or event something that is optional if they want counseling anytime?