Making amends or challenging people in an aggressive
manner
Acquiring a method for suicide (e.g., buying a handgun)
Rehearsing suicidal acts
Ask "How are you doing?" "Is there anything I can do to
help?"
Inquire directly about whether he or she is considering
suicide ("Have you had thoughts about wanting to harm or kill yourself?")
Keep them safe--do not leave them alone
Take steps to remove potential means of self-harm including
firearms, pills, knives, and ropes
If suicidal thoughts are present, encourage voluntary
evaluation immediately at local emergency room or in-house psychological
services. Escort person to location. Verify that member was evaluated.
If member declined to self-refer, but no imminent danger
initiate an emergency evaluation
Involve law enforcement if agitated or combative
If you need answers to specific questions in order to make a
decision i.e., appropriateness for certain duties or retention of service
revolver, request a commander directed evaluation
If hospitalization is required, inquire with psychological
services/EAP what assistance is needed (e.g., arranging for child care or pet
care)
SPECIFIC SITUATIONS
BEHAVIOR/SIGNS
TAILORED SUPPORT
Behavioral health provider informs you that the member is
at increased risk for suicide, but member refuses treatment and does not meet
criteria for involuntary hospitalization
Same as above
Communicate a personal desire to see the member return to
well-being and to full functioning as soon as possible
Express concern and encourage professional help-seeking
Inquire as to whether the individual has at least one source
of support. If needed, try to find an acceptable support person, such as the
chaplain or peer
Inquire about barriers of seeking help at
psychological services.
Remove from duties involving access to weapons, poisons,
etc, to include access to weapons at home.
Collaborate with psychological services/EAP to develop plan
to monitor risk and provide support. Frequent follow-up will be important
Take steps to limit access to personal firearms,
medications, or other potential means of suicide (work with the member and
consult with family members, roommates, etc). Consult with legal, watch
commander and EAP
The member is under suspicion or
investigation by Internal Affairs for a departmental violation and shows
evidence of suicidality
Talking about suicide
Depressed mood or agitation worsens
Increasing hopelessness
Discuss resources available to the member
The membe isin reament but condition is worsening
Increasingly impaired work performance
Depressed mood or agitation worsens
Increasing social isolation
Worsening personal appearance
Bizarre or unusual behavior
Talking of suicide
Noticeable change or decline after a period of stability
Collaborate with psychological services/EAP to develop plan
to monitor risk and provide support
Take steps to limit access to personal firearms, medications
or other potential means of suicide (work with the member and consult with
family members, roommates, etc). Consult with legal.
Communicate a personal desire to see the member return to
well-being and to full functioning as soon as possible
