Using Police As Mechanism of Self-Harm: Suicide by Cop and Psychological Autopsy

Abstract

This topic review paper provides a brief overview of factors considered in the determination of so-called ‘suicide by cop’ (SbC), including potential contextual signs of such an event. The summarization and analysis of the suicide by cop extant literature indicates a gap, and subsequent need, in commentary on content and viability of police training in this area. Within the United States, this phenomenon is often either unrecognized, or unremarkable in official reports subsequent to an officer involved shooting. It is important for law enforcement officers to be trained to recognize, when possible, the signs of an individual seeking self-harm by attempting to elicit the action from officers. While it is important to note that such potential recognition of self-harm-seeking behavior may inform responding personnel in fashioning an approach to the individual, this does not obviate the need to consider the safety of officers and bystanders first, as such incidents may rapidly unfold. Agency training, driven by written policy and prevailing law, should be based on empirical evidence, where available, and when utilization of such research does not seek to supersede other safety considerations. While law enforcement recruit academy curriculums in the United States have increased significantly in hours of classroom study, there is a limit to the practicality of training blocks on sundry topics. Additionally, within the U.S. context, laws and court decisions impose expectations regarding training requirements and limits of liability. The use of psychological autopsy investigation holds the potential to fill knowledge gaps about an event and provide a more complete contextual picture to many fatal force usage situation involving police. Future research is needed to examine behavior motivations, potentially using the psychological autopsy investigation method, and how results can enhance police training.