Summary

The nature of police work often entails having a front-row seat for human distress. Aggression, violence, neglect, mental health problems, poverty and even death can be part of police officers’ daily reality. This work context can be conducive to the development of psychological distress and various mental health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and major depression, which may partially explain the suicidal behaviours seen in certain police officers, according to the scientific literature.

A document produced at the request of the Association paritaire pour la santé et la sécurité du travail – Affaires municipales (Joint Association for health and safety in the workplace, Municipal Affairs’ sector; APSAM) is intended for police organizations and anyone who is interested in preventing suicide among police personnel. It will be of interest for managers and representatives of police force employees and for members of workplace health and safety committees that would like to set up a suicide prevention program or interventions. Likewise, police officers, trainers, mental health professionals, workplace health and safety and human resources personnel, police force partners, and the various groups representing police officers will find valuable information therein.