Editorial: Suicide Among Security Officers: A National Security Threat

The Head of Therapy and Wellness Department at the 37 Military Hospital, Dr. Erica D. Dickson, has raised concerns over the suicide deaths among police officers in the country.

A study conducted between 2015 and 2021, which she referred to, as reported by the Daily Graphic, revealed that the nation lost 69 police officers to suicide.

In another recent study, the findings are equally alarming—28% of police officers surveyed had lifetime suicidal ideations, 3% were planning to take their lives, and 26.9% had considered suicide within the past year.

Several inter-related factors, such as the unique stressors of the job, a lack of mental health support and personal challenges drive the complex issue of suicide among security officers.

We are not well versed in the causes of suicide among security services, but experts attribute it to factors including exposure to traumatic events.

Security officers regularly encounter potentially traumatic situations such as violent crimes, accidents, deaths, fires and disasters, and repeated exposure to these events can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and feelings of helplessness.

Also, the demands of the job often involve long hours, dangerous situations and high levels of responsibility. Officers are expected to make split-second decisions that can have life-or-death consequences, while maintaining composure. Chronic stress can lead to burnout, anxiety and a sense of hopelessness, pushing some officers to contemplate suicide as a way to escape their overwhelming reality.

The job of most of the security officers demands that they often have easy access to firearms, which increases the risk of impulsive suicide attempts. In moments of distress, the availability of lethal means can turn suicidal thoughts into tragic actions.

Readers may recall that just last month, a police officer who was off-duty and on his side job as a ride-hailing driver shot and killed his client with his firearm over a misunderstanding. The availability of the weapon made it easier for him to reach out for it at that time. Imagine this same officer was contemplating suicide, with access to the firearm, he could easily pull the trigger to commit suicide.

Some experts also say security officers contemplate suicide due to financial stress. Though issues of financial stress are not synonymous to the security officers alone, they feel their job is risky and demanding and thus expect more remuneration.

Like any other individual, financial stress adds another layer of pressure to an already demanding job, increasing feelings of inadequacy and hopelessness, which may trigger suicidal thoughts, especially when one is unable to meet ends meet.

Dr. Dickson, speaking at the 2024 World Suicide Prevention Day Forum, raised crucial points about the broader issue of mental health struggles across Ghana’s security services. While the statistics focus on the police, it is probable that similar trends exist in other branches such as the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), Ghana Immigration Service and the Ghana Prisons Service, though information on this remains scarce, due to the tight-knit nature of these institutions.

The issue of suicide among security officers is a grave concern that demands immediate attention. They are the men and women who protect us – the citizens and our properties – at the peril of their lives. It is thus non-negotiable to ensure security to address issues of mental health with the services.

It is our view that addressing this issue requires more than just raising awareness. It calls for the establishment of robust mental health support systems, regular psychological screenings and access to confidential counseling services for security personnel.

We think that by normalising mental health care in these institutions, it is possible to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help and ensure that officers receive the care they need to manage the emotional demands of their roles.

When those entrusted with safeguarding society are themselves at risk, the entire system is jeopardised.

The Chronicle opines that suicide among security officers is a serious and multifaceted issue that poses a threat to national security.

As such, addressing the challenges requires a holistic approach that includes mental health services, peer support, stigma reduction and workplace reforms.

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