On Monday December 23, 2024, a 44-year-old sergeant from the New York Police Department (NYPD) was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in his car in Flushing, Queens, New York City, according to law enforcement sources. The incident took place around 7:20 p.m. on a residential street.
This incident follows the August suicide of Officer Gregory Purvis, a four-year veteran of the 30th Precinct. Purvis died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in Upper Manhattan after his concerned partner, unable to reach him, found his body.
Following Purvis’ death, NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry stated, “We lost another brother to the trauma of this work.” He urged his colleagues to remember that help is available to those struggling with difficult days on the job.
In another tragic event on October 16, Sean O’Neill, a retired NYPD detective aged 54, shot and killed his wife, Arlene O’Neill, before taking his own life in their Yonkers, New York, home. Their three children were present but unharmed during the incident. The community fondly remembered Arlene, a devoted fifth-grade teacher.
The NYPD has been grappling with a rising tide of officer suicides in recent years. In 2019, the department witnessed ten officer suicides, prompting it to put more emphasis on mental health resources and support systems. During the same year, NYPD Commissioner James O’Neill called the situation a crisis and sent a message to all 55,000 NYPD officers and civilian employees, urging them to prioritize their mental health.
Despite these efforts, the NYPD continues to struggle with the stigma attached to seeking mental health support within the force.
In 2023, the NYPD experienced several suicides among its officers. These incidents underscored the ongoing mental health challenges within the department.
On January 20, 2023, an NYPD officer was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound inside a vehicle near Brookville Park in Queens. The officer’s identity was not disclosed to the public. On March 2, 2023, a 22-year-old officer from the 123rd Precinct in Staten Island was found dead by suicide at his home.
Research indicates that police officers face a higher risk of mental health issues compared to other professions due to job-related stress. A survey found that 78% of police officers experience critical stress, with 16% reporting suicidal thoughts. However, 90% felt there was a stigma associated with seeking help.
The NYPD provides mental health support through internal units like EAU, Chaplain’s Unit, and POPPA, while partnering with external programs like FINEST CARE to deliver confidential counseling services to officers.
The Mayor’s Office of Community Mental Health and the NYPD have partnered to strengthen mental health support, incorporating expert-guided suicide prevention strategies. Initiatives include specialized training for 40,000+ officers and Co-Response Teams of police and clinicians to assist individuals in crisis.
In response to previous incidents, the NYPD has established the Critical Incident Stress Management Program and expanded individual support appointments. The department’s Health and Wellness Section provides comprehensive services, including fitness and nutritional support. Additional resources include the Counseling Services Unit and the Medical Division Psychological Evaluation Section. Non-department resources such as the NYLEAP program, Northwell Finest Care, and the Law Enforcement Officer’s Crisis Text Line are also available.
Nationally, more officers’ lives are lost to suicide each year than to violence in the line of duty. The Chicago Police Department and other law enforcement agencies across the country are addressing these issues by enhancing employee assistance programs and mental health resources. These initiatives aim to better support officers grappling with the psychological effects of their work.