Texas Launches Statewide Program to Prevent Police Suicides
Suicide was among the leading causes of the 621 officer deaths around the country in 2021. Texas leads the nation in the number of law enforcement officers who have committed or attempted suicide.
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The Caruth Police Institute at University of North Texas-Dallas has launched a program to prevent law enforcement suicide in Texas, reports CBS News.
The program is believed to be the first of its kind in the nation and will give only officers anonymous access to an app so they can talk to a peer about anything personal or professional that may be weighing on them.
Suicide was among the leading causes of the 621 officer deaths around the country in 2021. Texas leads the nation in the number of law enforcement officers who have committed or attempted suicide.
Retired Irving, Tx., Police Chief Jeff Spivey, executive director of the Caruth Police Institute, said the average officer experiences roughly 188 traumatic events during their career.
The program is already up and running, with ongoing training available to officers who want to become a peer, and hopes to reduce suicides among officers to zero by 2023.
