In Queens, New York City, a 44-year-old sergeant from the New York Police Department (NYPD) was discovered dead in his vehicle on Monday evening, December 23, resulting from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to sources within law enforcement. The incident took place around 7:20 p.m. in a residential area of Flushing, Queens.
The sergeant’s identity, who was stationed in Queens, is being withheld. The investigation into the circumstances of his death is ongoing.
This incident is yet another tragedy for the NYPD, following the suicide of Officer Gregory Purvis, a four-year veteran, in August. Officer Purvis was found dead in an Upper Manhattan apartment. He was assigned to the 30th Precinct in Hamilton Heights. After parking his vehicle near an apartment building in the Fort George neighborhood, he entered the residence where his body was later discovered.
At the time, NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry stated, “We lost another brother to the trauma of this work,” and emphasized, “To the men and women who wear the uniform, please know that there are always, always people willing to listen about the bad days, about the days that hit too close to home.”
Additionally, retired NYPD detective Sean O’Neill, 54, shot his wife, Arlene O’Neill, and then himself in their Yonkers, New York, home on October 16. Their three children were present but remained unscathed throughout the incident. Arlene, a beloved fifth-grade teacher, was commemorated by her community.
The NYPD has been dealing with significant mental health issues among its officers over recent years. In 2019, the department witnessed ten officer suicides, prompting a heightened emphasis on mental health resources and support systems for law enforcement personnel. NYPD Commissioner James O’Neill referred to it as a departmental crisis, encouraging all 55,000 NYPD officers and civilian personnel to prioritize their mental health.
The NYPD continues to tackle the challenge of reducing the stigma surrounding seeking mental health support within its ranks.
In 2023, the NYPD experienced several heartbreaking losses due to officer suicides, highlighting the ongoing mental health struggles within the force.
On January 20, an NYPD officer was found dead in a vehicle close to Brookville Park in Queens. The officer, whose identity remains undisclosed, appeared to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
A 22-year-old officer from the 123rd Precinct in Staten Island ended his own life at his home on March 2, 2023. The officer had previously been involved in a police-related shooting incident in Coney Island in November 2022, where a suspect was fatally shot by the police after firing multiple shots at them.
Studies indicate that police officers face higher risks of mental health issues compared to other professions due to job-related stress factors. A survey revealed that 78% of police officers experience critical stress on the job, and 16% have contemplated suicide. However, 90% reported feeling a stigma attached to seeking help. Several contributing factors have been identified, including intense work stress, peer pressure to suppress emotions, and easy access to firearms.
The NYPD provides several internal support services for its members, including the Employee Assistance Unit (EAU), the Chaplain’s Unit, and the Police Organization Providing Peer Assistance (POPPA). The department also collaborates with external resources like the FINEST CARE program, offering free and confidential mental health services. Weekly support groups are available for stress management, relationships, women’s wellness, and mindfulness. The department also offers a monthly grief support group and resources for retirement coordination and financial wellness.
The Mayor’s Office of Community Mental Health has collaborated with the NYPD to enhance mental health support, bringing in national experts to guide suicide prevention strategies. These efforts have included designing specialized training on suicide prevention and crisis intervention, reaching over 40,000 NYPD personnel. The office has also established Co-Response Teams, which include police officers and clinicians who proactively engage with people experiencing mental health challenges.
Following previous incidents, the NYPD has introduced the Critical Incident Stress Management Program and expanded individual support appointments. The department’s Health and Wellness Section provides comprehensive services including fitness and nutrition support. Additional resources include the Counseling Services Unit and Medical Division Psychological Evaluation Section. Non-department resources are also available, such as the NYLEAP program, Northwell Finest Care, and the Law Enforcement Officer’s Crisis Text Line.
Around the country, more police officers die annually from suicide than from violence while on duty. The Chicago Police Department, along with other law enforcement agencies nationwide, are striving to address these challenges through enhanced employee assistance programs and mental health resources. These initiatives aim to provide better support for officers dealing with the psychological impact of their work.
