BETWEEN UNIFORM AND DESPERATION: A STUDY ON POLICE SUICIDE

Abstract

Suicide among police officers is an alarming problem that reflects the extreme pressure and continuous stress faced by these professionals, revealing the adverse conditions of the profession, such as constant exposure to risk and violence, quick decisions at critical moments and the responsibility for public safety. Police culture often discourages seeking psychological help due to the stigma associated with emotional vulnerability, leading to serious mental health problems such as stress, depression and anxiety. Lack of adequate support in both the workplace and personal environment can worsen these problems, resulting in suicide. This study reviews existing literature on the Google Scholar and SciELO platforms, identifying risk factors associated with police suicide, such as exposure to violence, high responsibility, accumulated trauma and lack of psychological support. Additionally, it examines effective prevention strategies, highlighting the importance of mental well-being programs within police forces, such as resilience training, access to mental health services, and a work environment that promotes openness about mental health for prevention. of suicide.