Upcoming Law Enforcement Conference To Focus On Suicide Prevention

After the suicides of four police officers, including a longtime lieutenant in Groton City, a nonprofit group has organized a statewide conference to encourage officers to be mindful of their mental health and seek help if they need it.

Nearly 300 law enforcement personnel are expected to attend the program, “Training the Mind: Preventing Police Suicide and Promoting Mental Wellness,” from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Wednesday at Central Connecticut State University.

“Police officers are expected to resolve everyone else’s problems,” Kenneth Edwards, of the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney, said in a prepared statement.

“What most people don’t understand is that a little bit of misery, heartache and suffering transfers to you every time you come in contact with it, and police come into contact with it almost every day.”  Edwards is also president of the Connecticut Alliance to Benefit Law Enforcement, which is holding the conference.

Four law enforcement officers took their own lives from April through June in Connecticut, including , a 30-year veteran of the Groton City Police Department.

Louise Pyers, executive director and founder of the alliance, said the stress of police work can undermine officers’ relationships over time or create other problems like substance abuse. Officers often feel they cann’t seek help, or that someone outside the police department won’t understand, she said.

Among the topics expected to be discussed at the conference is the stigma associated with seeking help, and whether officers could have a colleague support them and find them professional help if they need it.