What can a police officer do?

Communication with a person who is acutely suicidal is valuable in many ways. It can help a person to unburden, encourages help-seeking, and can delay or prevent suicidal behaviour.  Before communicating with someone who is suicidal, ensure that you feel comfortable engaging in such a conversation, make sure that you can spend enough time with the person, and maintain an open and supportive attitude. You should ensure confidentiality without promising secrecy.

The next sections will address several types of situations that you may encounter as a police officer: communicating with a person who you believe may be experiencing suicidal thoughts, intervening with a person at acute risk of suicidal behaviour and informing bereaved family members of a suicide.