an attempt is made. This systematic approach views the ten risk factors as an integrated operational system. From this perspective, the prevention-intervention method provides an analytical approach to addressing potential risk factors before they materialize. The suicide prevention protocol of the Blue Wall Institute is built on the medical health (eustress) model (J. Krawczyn, personal communication, 2022). The protocol is operationalized by identifying and assessing healthy personality traits and behaviors during the recruitment process of first responders, which have been documented during the background investigation, and reinforcing them through the teaching of healthy coping skills at the police academy, with observable application of these skills in the FTO (Field Training Officer) Use of the protocol is expected to help officers address, process, and avoid the 10 Fatal Factors that can result in suicidal ideation or suicide.
Suicide statistics
Currently, the LE-SMD has 116 verified cases of suicide in 2020 and 61 cases in 2021 (Johnson, 2020-21). In 2017, we found that 140 police officers died by suicide, compared with 129 who died in the line of duty (Ruderman White Paper, 2018). In 2020, 295 police officer fatalities were reported by the National Law
Table 1. National Law Enforcement Suicide Mortality Database (2017-2021). Year
Occupation
Number
Active
Retired
Former
2020
LE
95
73
14
8
CO Total
21 116
19
1
1
92
15
9
LE
51
45
2
4
CO Total
10 61
8
1
1
53
3
5
2021
*Only cases that have been verified (by autopsy, police report, agency notification, family, etc.) are included in the data. Dozens of cases that are pending verification are not included. 9
