Why police commit suicide and get divorced more frequently than the general population of similar age?

Answer 1

I've never heard or read of that statistic. Please provide a credible link.

Answer 2

I think the police have a highly stressful job, they serve an ungrateful public and they are underpaid, most work 2nd jobs, sometimes even a 3rd job.

Given those facts, most of these people can't take their work home with them. They don't want to burden their spouses with the strife and violence they encounter from day to day. So, I imagine a lot of anger and emotion is pent up inside. Plus, if they are working at night, they cannot be with their families at dinner and bedtime, which is very important for children, that puts extra stress on the spouse at home.

The danger that is always there, is a factor too. The spouse of a police officer, knows that there is a chance that violence can take critically wound or even kill their spouse. That has to be very stressful.

I am sure there are many other factors that can account for suicides and divorce among the police, but I think the reasons stated are a couple of the factors involved.

Answer 3

Being a police officer is a very stressful job.

In addition, it is often thankless. People constantly complain about the police, argue with the police, disrespect the police. These encounters can wear on your resolve over time.

Insomniacs also have higher rates of suicide. Just the swinging shifts alone that police work will cause a lack of sleep which will translate into depression and increased divorce and suicide rates.

Answer 4

The overwhelming guilt that finally hits them for abusing their power for so long. They know it's wrong, we know it's wrong, but they get away with it. There is no other profession in which so little education or character is required and so much power is given. I'm really tired of the argument that "they bravely risk their lives every day to keep us safe", they knew that when they applied for the job. If they don't want to risk it they are free to seek other employment. They neither 'serve' or 'protect', they are merely pawns for making the government more money. I, personallly, am always respectful of police while in their presence because I know they can toss me in jail for what ever reason they decide to come up with. However, if they are disrespected by the public, it's usually symptomatic of their own disrespect and apathy for those they are "protecting" and "serving". Not all the time though, some percentage of the public have no respect for anything or anybody.

Answer 5

STRESS. DIVORCE IS STRESS AND THE JOB THEN BECOMES MORE STRESSFUL WITH AN ATTORNEY CALLING YOU AT WORK AND HOME.
LOSE THE KIDS AND WIFE AND MANY CANNOT HANDLE IT. I ENJOYED LOSING MY FIRST WIFE BUT NOT THE KIDS. COULD HAVE HAD TWO BUT FELT THEY WERE BETTER OFF ALL AS ONE UNIT OF 4.
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH TXT AND INTERNET SINCE WE ARE IN 4 STATES AND 3,000 TO 400 MILES AWAY. (HAVE NOT TALKED TO EX SINCE 1982) YES. MADE ONE MISTAKE IN MY LIFE AND SHE WAS IT.

Answer 6

Guilt?

Credible link?
Is USA Today good enough?



Suicide rates for police — at least 18 per 100,000 — are higher than for the general population, according to Audrey Honig, chief psychologist for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-02-08-police-suicides_x.htm
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How about the Police themselves:

Central Florida Police Stress Unit, Inc.

police officers experience high rates of heart disease, and other stress-related health problems, in addition to marital and relationship difficulties, depression and suicide, and, of course, alcoholism, more than other professions.

http://www.policestress.org/choir.htm

Answer 7

I would assume job-related stress.

Answer 8

More opportunities to do both, more stress to compel both.

Answer 9

stress, unpleasant working conditions, low pay, hot women love them.

Answer 10

I think guilt is probable the best answer that you will truthfully get