Community for Cops
BlueH.E.L.P.—an organization that tracks police officer suicides while simultaneously seeking to prevent such tragedies from occurring—held several events at Police Week in Washington DC to honor officers who died by suicide and offer support to the families they left behind.
Earlier this week I attended the Axon Accelerate Conference in downtown Phoenix. The official theme was "Run In"—in recognition of the fact that police officers run toward danger while everyone else runs away. But there was another underlying theme, "Total Wellness" for law enforcement.
Leann Starr—sister of Chicago Police Sergeant Lori Rice—recently made a video for the Chicago Police Department intended to reach out to other officers who may be approaching crisis.
When officers need emotional and mental help, each of us has a responsibility to support each other.
Being in relationship or married to a police officer makes you the first line of support. When spouses accept this role they know it comes with some sacrifices, but what they often don't realize is their well-being may not be considered by friends, family members, or even the agency.
Melissa Swailes discusses the mental health resources that are available to law enforcement officers through Blue H.E.L.P, a non-profit organization.
Melissa Swailes—whose husband, Officer David Swailes of the LAPD, died by suicide in February 2016—discusses the day of David's death.
Officer Daniel Beckwith—who had been with the department since July 2014—was on paid administrative leave at the time of his death. The leave was due to Beckwith's involvement in the fatal shooting of an armed subject who had pointed a weapon at a victim and officers.
The Independence (MO) Police Department welcomed to its ranks a 2-year-old golden retriever/border collie mix as their first ever certified therapy dog.
Melissa Swailes' husband Officer David Swailes died by suicide in February 2016. In this video she discusses what she talks about when she teaches police officers and agencies about suicide awareness.