An ‘epidemic’ among police across the U.S.

Suicide within the ranks of police across the country has reached epidemic proportions, claiming the lives of more officers than violence in the line of duty, advocates said Thursday.

There have been more than 120 law enforcement suicides in the United States this year, according to Blue H.E.L.P., a Massachusetts nonprofit that helps officers with PTSD, depression and other mental health issues.

The sobering number, which includes retired officers, has the country on pace for the highest police suicide toll in at least the last four years.

“This is an epidemic,” said Randy Sutton, a former Las Vegas police lieutenant who founded the Wounded Blue, a law enforcement advocacy group.

Advocates said police officers are less likely than the average person to get help because of the nature of their job.

“The essence of the police culture is that you don’t ever show weakness,” said John Violanti, a University of Buffalo professor and expert on police stress.

“That bleeds over into your personality, and cops develop this sort of hard shell.”

Many agencies offer employee assistance programs, but officers are concerned that what they share will get back to their supervisors, officials said.

Suicide rates are generally higher in states where a greater percentage of households have firearms, according to several stories.

And cops don’t have to go far to find a gun.

President Trump recently signed a bill authorizing up to $7.5 million a year for police suicide prevention efforts, mental health screenings and training to identify officers at risk.

“If a cop breaks his leg, everybody’s going to sign his or her cast and say, ‘I wish you good luck,’” said Mark DiBona, a retired patrol sergeant in Florida who once contemplated suicide.

“Nobody’s going to sign your forehead when you say, ‘I’m struggling.’ ”