GITNUXREPORT 2025

Police Suicide Statistics

Police suicides are rising; stigma impedes help-seeking, increasing prevention challenges.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking • Reputable sources • Regular updatesLearn more

Key Statistics

Statistic 1

Community-based peer support programs foster trust and openness, leading to earlier intervention and reduced suicides among law enforcement

Statistic 2

Female officers are reportedly less likely to seek help for mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts, compared to their male counterparts

Statistic 3

Suicide rates among police officers are highest within the first five years of service

Statistic 4

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among active-duty officers, after vehicle crashes

Statistic 5

Access to firearms significantly increases the risk of suicide among police officers, given their exposure to weapons

Statistic 6

Older officers (above age 50) have higher rates of suicidal ideation, possibly due to cumulative stress and health issues

Statistic 7

Minority officers report higher levels of stress and suicidal ideation compared to their white counterparts, indicating an intersectional disparity

Statistic 8

Police officers who experience homelessness or financial hardship are at higher risk for suicidal behavior, linked to stress and lack of resources

Statistic 9

Officers with a history of substance abuse are at disproportionately higher risk for suicide, complicating mental health treatment

Statistic 10

An estimated 140 law enforcement officers die by suicide each year in the United States

Statistic 11

Police officers are more than twice as likely to die by suicide as they are to be killed in the line of duty

Statistic 12

Police officers who have experienced traumatic events are significantly more likely to experience suicidal ideation

Statistic 13

The cost of police suicides to departments includes recruitment, training, and potential legal costs, amounting to millions annually

Statistic 14

Police officers experiencing chronic stress are 2.5 times more likely to report suicidal thoughts

Statistic 15

Many officers do not recognize mental health symptoms in themselves, delaying help and increasing risk of suicide

Statistic 16

Military veterans who join law enforcement show higher levels of suicidal thoughts, influenced by prior trauma

Statistic 17

Health issues such as hypertension, sleep disturbances, and substance abuse are common among officers who die by suicide, contributing to higher mortality

Statistic 18

Police officers’ perception of danger and threat levels correlates with increased depression and suicidal thoughts, especially in high-crime areas

Statistic 19

Attrition in law enforcement due to mental health issues costs departments millions annually, driven in part by suicides and related health expenses

Statistic 20

Police officers who experience chronic pain are at increased risk of depression and suicidal ideation, exacerbated by under-treatment of physical health issues

Statistic 21

In a 2018 study, approximately 17% of police officers reported having suicidal thoughts at some point in their careers

Statistic 22

The rate of police suicides increased by 33% from 2017 to 2020

Statistic 23

The majority of police suicides are preceded by mental health symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD

Statistic 24

The life expectancy of police officers who die by suicide is significantly shorter than that of their peers, by approximately 13 years

Statistic 25

The prevalence of suicidal ideation among police officers ranges between 8% to 22% depending on the study

Statistic 26

Law enforcement officers have a 1.5 times higher risk of suicide compared to the general population

Statistic 27

Many police departments lack comprehensive mental health programs, hindering suicide prevention efforts

Statistic 28

Peer support programs have been shown to decrease suicidal ideation among officers

Statistic 29

The use of confidential mental health check-ins can help identify at-risk officers and prevent suicide

Statistic 30

Suicide rates among law enforcement have been steadily rising since the early 2000s, with some peaks during the COVID-19 pandemic

Statistic 31

First responders, including police, have a 1.4 times higher risk of suicidal ideation compared to the general population

Statistic 32

From 2010 to 2020, police suicide rates in the US increased by over 20%, indicating a worsening trend

Statistic 33

Support for mental health training in police academies has been linked to a decrease in suicidal behaviors among new officers

Statistic 34

Across states, the rate of police suicides varies significantly, with some states experiencing rates nearly double the national average

Statistic 35

Police officers with a history of mental health treatment are at greater risk of suicide if they do not receive ongoing support

Statistic 36

The use of critical incident stress debriefing (CISD) has mixed evidence regarding effectiveness in preventing police suicides, highlighting the need for personalized approaches

Statistic 37

Police officers with friends or family members who have committed suicide are at increased risk themselves, due to emotional contagion and shared stress

Statistic 38

Suicide prevention programs tailored specifically for law enforcement personnel have been shown to reduce suicidal ideation and attempts

Statistic 39

The majority of police suicides occur during or shortly after retirement, indicating potential stress related to leaving the force

Statistic 40

The availability of anonymous mental health surveys within police departments can identify officers at risk, but many agencies have low participation rates

Statistic 41

Training programs that include components on stress management and resilience have been effective in decreasing suicidal ideation

Statistic 42

Officers working night shifts report higher levels of depression and suicidal tendencies compared to day shift workers, due to disruption of circadian rhythms

Statistic 43

The mental health of police officers deteriorates over years of service, with cumulative stress being a key factor, according to longitudinal studies

Statistic 44

The rate of police suicides is often underreported due to stigma and classification issues, leading to underestimated figures

Statistic 45

Stress reduction techniques like mindfulness and meditation have shown promise in lowering suicidal thoughts in police personnel

Statistic 46

Departments with comprehensive mental health policies experience fewer suicides, highlighting the importance of institutional support

Statistic 47

Suicide prevention initiatives that involve family members are more effective due to increased social support, indicating the importance of family engagement

Statistic 48

A survey found that about 80% of officers said they would not seek mental health treatment due to stigma

Statistic 49

The stigma surrounding mental health in law enforcement is a significant barrier to seeking help, with 65% of officers citing concern about career impact

Statistic 50

Many law enforcement agencies lack confidential pathways for officers to seek mental health help, further increasing suicide risk

Statistic 51

Exposure to ongoing organizational stressors, like harassment and lack of support, significantly correlates with suicide risk in law enforcement

Statistic 52

Workplace bullying and harassment within law enforcement agencies can elevate stress levels and increase suicide risk, representing an under-addressed issue

Statistic 53

Peer-led mental health initiatives within police departments have shown to increase help-seeking behavior among officers, potentially reducing suicides

Statistic 54

Access to counseling and support services outside of regular working hours improves mental health outcomes for officers, yet many departments lack such options

Statistic 55

The mental health stigma within law enforcement is often reinforced by organizational culture, discouraging officers from seeking help

Slide 1 of 55
Share:FacebookLinkedIn
Sources

Our Reports have been cited by:

Trust Badges - Publications that have cited our reports

Key Highlights

  • An estimated 140 law enforcement officers die by suicide each year in the United States
  • Police officers are more than twice as likely to die by suicide as they are to be killed in the line of duty
  • In a 2018 study, approximately 17% of police officers reported having suicidal thoughts at some point in their careers
  • The rate of police suicides increased by 33% from 2017 to 2020
  • Female officers are reportedly less likely to seek help for mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts, compared to their male counterparts
  • Suicide rates among police officers are highest within the first five years of service
  • The majority of police suicides are preceded by mental health symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD
  • Police officers who have experienced traumatic events are significantly more likely to experience suicidal ideation
  • A survey found that about 80% of officers said they would not seek mental health treatment due to stigma
  • Suicide is the second leading cause of death among active-duty officers, after vehicle crashes
  • The life expectancy of police officers who die by suicide is significantly shorter than that of their peers, by approximately 13 years
  • The prevalence of suicidal ideation among police officers ranges between 8% to 22% depending on the study
  • Law enforcement officers have a 1.5 times higher risk of suicide compared to the general population

Every year, over 140 U.S. law enforcement officers tragically die by suicide—more than twice the number killed in the line of duty—highlighting a crisis hidden within the badge that demands urgent attention and action.

Community-based peer support programs foster trust and openness, leading to earlier intervention and reduced suicides among law enforcement

  • Community-based peer support programs foster trust and openness, leading to earlier intervention and reduced suicides among law enforcement

Community-based peer support programs foster trust and openness, leading to earlier intervention and reduced suicides among law enforcement Interpretation

Community-based peer support programs are the police force’s secret weapon — building trust from within to help prevent tragic suicides before they happen.

Demographic and Occupational Risk Factors

  • Female officers are reportedly less likely to seek help for mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts, compared to their male counterparts
  • Suicide rates among police officers are highest within the first five years of service
  • Suicide is the second leading cause of death among active-duty officers, after vehicle crashes
  • Access to firearms significantly increases the risk of suicide among police officers, given their exposure to weapons
  • Older officers (above age 50) have higher rates of suicidal ideation, possibly due to cumulative stress and health issues
  • Minority officers report higher levels of stress and suicidal ideation compared to their white counterparts, indicating an intersectional disparity
  • Police officers who experience homelessness or financial hardship are at higher risk for suicidal behavior, linked to stress and lack of resources
  • Officers with a history of substance abuse are at disproportionately higher risk for suicide, complicating mental health treatment

Demographic and Occupational Risk Factors Interpretation

These stark statistics underscore an urgent need for targeted mental health support within law enforcement, especially for female, minority, older, and at-risk officers, as the unspoken toll of service continues to threaten their lives behind the badge.

Impact of Mental Health Issues on Police Officers

  • An estimated 140 law enforcement officers die by suicide each year in the United States
  • Police officers are more than twice as likely to die by suicide as they are to be killed in the line of duty
  • Police officers who have experienced traumatic events are significantly more likely to experience suicidal ideation
  • The cost of police suicides to departments includes recruitment, training, and potential legal costs, amounting to millions annually
  • Police officers experiencing chronic stress are 2.5 times more likely to report suicidal thoughts
  • Many officers do not recognize mental health symptoms in themselves, delaying help and increasing risk of suicide
  • Military veterans who join law enforcement show higher levels of suicidal thoughts, influenced by prior trauma
  • Health issues such as hypertension, sleep disturbances, and substance abuse are common among officers who die by suicide, contributing to higher mortality
  • Police officers’ perception of danger and threat levels correlates with increased depression and suicidal thoughts, especially in high-crime areas
  • Attrition in law enforcement due to mental health issues costs departments millions annually, driven in part by suicides and related health expenses
  • Police officers who experience chronic pain are at increased risk of depression and suicidal ideation, exacerbated by under-treatment of physical health issues

Impact of Mental Health Issues on Police Officers Interpretation

Despite the badge's bravado, the stark reality remains: police officers are twice as likely to die by suicide as in the line of duty, revealing a hidden crisis where trauma, chronic stress, and untreated health issues silently threaten those sworn to protect us.

Mental Health Challenges and Suicide Prevention

  • In a 2018 study, approximately 17% of police officers reported having suicidal thoughts at some point in their careers
  • The rate of police suicides increased by 33% from 2017 to 2020
  • The majority of police suicides are preceded by mental health symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD
  • The life expectancy of police officers who die by suicide is significantly shorter than that of their peers, by approximately 13 years
  • The prevalence of suicidal ideation among police officers ranges between 8% to 22% depending on the study
  • Law enforcement officers have a 1.5 times higher risk of suicide compared to the general population
  • Many police departments lack comprehensive mental health programs, hindering suicide prevention efforts
  • Peer support programs have been shown to decrease suicidal ideation among officers
  • The use of confidential mental health check-ins can help identify at-risk officers and prevent suicide
  • Suicide rates among law enforcement have been steadily rising since the early 2000s, with some peaks during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • First responders, including police, have a 1.4 times higher risk of suicidal ideation compared to the general population
  • From 2010 to 2020, police suicide rates in the US increased by over 20%, indicating a worsening trend
  • Support for mental health training in police academies has been linked to a decrease in suicidal behaviors among new officers
  • Across states, the rate of police suicides varies significantly, with some states experiencing rates nearly double the national average
  • Police officers with a history of mental health treatment are at greater risk of suicide if they do not receive ongoing support
  • The use of critical incident stress debriefing (CISD) has mixed evidence regarding effectiveness in preventing police suicides, highlighting the need for personalized approaches
  • Police officers with friends or family members who have committed suicide are at increased risk themselves, due to emotional contagion and shared stress
  • Suicide prevention programs tailored specifically for law enforcement personnel have been shown to reduce suicidal ideation and attempts
  • The majority of police suicides occur during or shortly after retirement, indicating potential stress related to leaving the force
  • The availability of anonymous mental health surveys within police departments can identify officers at risk, but many agencies have low participation rates
  • Training programs that include components on stress management and resilience have been effective in decreasing suicidal ideation
  • Officers working night shifts report higher levels of depression and suicidal tendencies compared to day shift workers, due to disruption of circadian rhythms
  • The mental health of police officers deteriorates over years of service, with cumulative stress being a key factor, according to longitudinal studies
  • The rate of police suicides is often underreported due to stigma and classification issues, leading to underestimated figures
  • Stress reduction techniques like mindfulness and meditation have shown promise in lowering suicidal thoughts in police personnel

Mental Health Challenges and Suicide Prevention Interpretation

Despite comprising a resilient badge, police officers are increasingly burdened by invisible wounds—rising suicide rates, unaddressed mental health issues, and the stigma surrounding help-seeking—highlighting an urgent need to prioritize their psychological well-being before their service turns into a tragedy.

Organizational Policies and Community Initiatives

  • Departments with comprehensive mental health policies experience fewer suicides, highlighting the importance of institutional support

Organizational Policies and Community Initiatives Interpretation

Departments with comprehensive mental health policies experience fewer suicides, illustrating that when police organizations prioritize mental well-being, they reinforce both resilience and the critical importance of institutional support—an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure.

Suicide Prevention Initiatives

  • Suicide prevention initiatives that involve family members are more effective due to increased social support, indicating the importance of family engagement

Suicide Prevention Initiatives Interpretation

Engaging family members in police suicide prevention efforts underscores the vital role of social support, transforming them from mere allies into key protectors in officers' mental health resilience.

Workplace Environment and Support Systems

  • A survey found that about 80% of officers said they would not seek mental health treatment due to stigma
  • The stigma surrounding mental health in law enforcement is a significant barrier to seeking help, with 65% of officers citing concern about career impact
  • Many law enforcement agencies lack confidential pathways for officers to seek mental health help, further increasing suicide risk
  • Exposure to ongoing organizational stressors, like harassment and lack of support, significantly correlates with suicide risk in law enforcement
  • Workplace bullying and harassment within law enforcement agencies can elevate stress levels and increase suicide risk, representing an under-addressed issue
  • Peer-led mental health initiatives within police departments have shown to increase help-seeking behavior among officers, potentially reducing suicides
  • Access to counseling and support services outside of regular working hours improves mental health outcomes for officers, yet many departments lack such options
  • The mental health stigma within law enforcement is often reinforced by organizational culture, discouraging officers from seeking help

Workplace Environment and Support Systems Interpretation

Despite the critical importance of mental health support, a culture of stigma, fear of career repercussions, and organizational neglect within law enforcement agencies persistently hinder officers from seeking help, consequently fueling the alarming statistics on police suicides.