In Harm’s Way: Law Enforcement Suicide Prevention

In Harm’s Way: Law Enforcement Suicide Prevention is an eight-hour train-the-trainers program that provides a comprehensive, holistic approach to stress management and suicide prevention for law enforcement and corrections professionals in order to reduce suicide risk. Those who complete the program return to their departments to train administrators, officers, and staff on suicide prevention, including: warning signs of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicide; how to reduce stigma associated with seeking help; and how to develop department policies, protocols, and procedures to address officers at risk. Additional training is provided on the role of employee assistance professionals (EAPs), peer support, chaplaincy, psychological services, postvention activities, family support, and needs of survivors of suicide.

In Harm’s Way was designed with input from many local, state, and federal law enforcement officers, deputies, and troopers, as well as subject matter experts, in order to develop suicide prevention training appropriate for law enforcement agencies of all sizes. In Harm’s Way has been adapted for corrections officers.

Program Objectives

Those who participate in the In Harm’s Way training will be able to:

1. Understand the stress, pressures, and culture in law enforcement that can lead to suicidal ideation.
2. Identify behaviors and statements that may indicate suicide risk.
3. Understand how to train law enforcement in suicide prevention.
4. Stress the importance of establishing department policy, protocol, and procedures.
5. Share this information within their departments.

Implementation Essentials

• Departments should establish linkages to helping resources before implementing the In Harm’s Way program.

2012 NSSP Objectives Addressed: 

Objective 7.1: Provide training on suicide prevention to community groups that have a role in the prevention of suicide and related behaviors.