"National P.O.L.I.C.E. Suicide Foundation." [http://www.psf.org/index.htm]. Abstract: The mission of the National P.O.L.I.C.E. Suicide Foundation is to provide suicide awareness and prevention training programs and support services that will meet the psychological and spiritual needs of emergency workers and their families.

"Suicide By Cop: Police - Assisted Suicide." [http://www.suicidebycop.com/]. Abstract: This is a site for law enforcement as well as the general public, to enlighten, educate and offer support to officers who have been inexplicably drawn into the emotional upheaval of those who choose to end their lives.

Amery, Jean. On Suicide. Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Press, 1999.Call Number: HV 6545.A5713 1999Abstract: On Suicide is neither a defense of suicide nor an invitation to assisted suicide, but an analysis of the state of mind of those who are suicidal and who actually commit suicide. Although religion and society may treat suicide as an unnatural and absurd act, the author claims that it is no less natural than many other forms of living and dying.

Blaau, Eric, et al. "Suicides and Other Deaths in Police Custody." Suicide & Life-Threatening Behavior (Summer 1997): pp. 153-70.Abstract: This study shows that deaths in police custody, especially deaths due to suicide and poisoning, are reason for concern. Although it points to several preventive measures that could be effective in reducing deaths in police custody, further research is needed to examine the utility of the measures. The study, however, indicates that some detainees whose lives are recognized to be at risk should be diverted away from the police station to an appropriate health care service.

Chabot, John A. A New Lease on Life: Facing the World After a Suicide Attempt. Minneapolis, MN: Fairview Press, 1997.Call Number: RC 569.C47 1997Abstract: This is not just another book about suicide. The focal point of these eight stories, is on living after the suicidal crisis, not the suicide attempt itself. Those factors that contributed to the suicide attempt are relegated to the backdrop. After failing to complete their final act of self-destruction and living to face the next day, these people are confronted with having to negotiate a new lease on life. This book explores their journeys of healing toward successful recovery.

Correia, Kevin M. "Suicide Assessment in a Prison Environment." Criminal Justice and Behavior (October 2000): pp. 581-99.Abstract: A primary responsibility of any mental health professional working within the field of corrections is to coordinate an effective suicide prevention program. This article discusses various aspects of successfully accomplishing this objective.

Donnelly, John, ed. Suicide: Right or Wrong? Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books, 1998.Call Number: HV 6545.S8426 1998Abstract: What exactly is suicide? Is suicide ever rational or morally justified? These and a host of related matters are explored in this book. A timely collection of essays that clarifies the battle lines of public debate surrounding this painful topic.

Hayes, Lindsay M. "Suicide in Adult Correctional Facilities: Key Ingredients to Prevention and Overcoming the Obstacles." Journal of Law, Medicine and Ethics (Fall 1999): pp. 260-268.Notes: (Available fulltext on Westlaw)Abstract: Despite increased general awareness of suicide in U.S. adult correctional facilities as well as the availability of research and correctional standards that advocate increased attention and services to potentially suicidal inmates, prevention efforts within correctional facilities remain piecemeal and inmate suicide continues to be a serious public health problem. A robotic state of mind excuse, that inmate suicide is not preventable, impedes prevention efforts. Key ingredients to comprehensive suicide prevention programming are offered to dispel these obstacles.

Homant, Robert J., et al. "Real and Perceived Danger in Police Officer Assisted Suicide." Journal of Criminal Justice (January/February 2000): pp. 43-52.Abstract: A study identifies patterns of police officer-assisted suicide (colloquially known as "suicide by cop"), in which civilians provoke police violence against them as a means of committing suicide. Data was acquired from descriptions of 123 completed or averted suicide-by-cop incidents collected from various sources. Use of deadly force by police, as expected, correlated with the perceived rather than actual danger. Prior planning was somewhat related to the subject's choice of non-dangerous means (e.g., a prop rather than a loaded firearm), but planning occasionally involved putting the police or others at risk.

Honig, Audrey L. and Elizabeth K. White. "By Their Own Hand: Suicide Among Law Enforcement Personnel." Police Chief (October 2000): pp. 156, 159-60.Abstract: Police departments expend considerable resources on officer safety, with great success, but only a small fraction of the department's budget goes to addressing the psychological needs of their officers and families. It is imperative that departments begin allocating resources to prevent officer suicide.

Hutson, H. Range, et al. "Suicide By Cop." Annals of Emergency Medicine (December 1998): pp. 665-69.Notes: ( Available fulltext for a fee at http://www.mosby.com/aem) Abstract: The study was done to investigate the phenomenon that some individuals attempt to commit suicide by intentionally provoking law enforcement officers to shoot them. According to the study law enforcement agencies may be able to develop strategies for early recognition and handling of law enforcement-forced-assisted suicide (suicide by cop).

Jacobs, Douglas G., ed. The Harvard Medical School Guide to Suicide Assessment and Intervention. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 1999.Call Number: RC 569.H37 1999Abstract: This hands on guide is written to help professionals determine the risk level for suicidal or at-risk patients and recommends a suicide assessment protocol that can be effectively incorporated into clinical practice. It also provides guidelines for intervening when a person is at risk of harming himself or herself.

Kennedy, Daniel B., et al. "Suicide by Cop." FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin (August 1998): pp. 21-27.Abstract: In an ideal world , no police officer would have to shoot a suspect; peaceful resolution would occur. Yet, every day officers become involved in dangerous situations where this does not hold true. Properly trained officers who understand motivations of subjects with suicidal impulses and know how to deal with them will be better prepared to avert tragedies.

Lester, David. Making Sense of Suicide. Philadelphia, PA: Charles Press, 1997.Call Number: HV 6545.L419 1997Abstract: The book=s goal is to increase general awareness and understanding of the factors that can lead to suicide so that unnecessary loss of life can be prevented.

Lester, David and Bruce L. Danto. Suicide Behind Bars. Philadelphia, PA: Charles Press, 1993.Call Number: HV 6545.6.L47 1993Abstract: Provides a usable knowledge of suicide and its prevention for those involved in the criminal justice system, particularly personnel in correctional facilities. The need for this information is clear: suicide among those who are incarcerated is very high compared to other groups in society.

Lester, David and Margot Tallmer. Now I Lay Me Down : Suicide in the Elderly. Philadelphia, PA: Charles Press, 1993.Call Number: HV 6545.2.N68 1993Abstract: Discusses how to recognize and respond to suicidal behavior in the elderly. It also describes the full gamut of treatment interventions now available for suicide prevention.

McLain, Lollie. "A Comprehensive Approach to Suicide Prevention." [http://www.lollie.com/suicide.html]. Abstract: The site offers statistics from the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control on suicide in the United States. It also focuses on some of the underlying causes of suicide and how some may be prevented.

Morin, Michelle. Training-in-a-Box Presents: Handling Suicide Calls. South Daytona, FL: APCO Institute, 1997.Call Number: HV 6546.H26 1997Abstract: The purpose of this publication is to help the telecommunicator gain a better understanding of suicide and its causes. Through increased awareness, the telecommunicator can more effectively counsel and help the suicide caller.

Parent, Richard B. "Suicide by Cop: Victim Precipitated Homicide." Police Chief (October 1998): pp.111-14.Abstract: The phenomenon of 'suicide by cop' refers to situations in which an individual engages in a suicide mission by threatening the life of a police officer or innocent bystander. Bent on self destruction, the individual forces the situation until the police officer has no other option but to use deadly force. Thus, despite its name, victim precipitated homicide is a form of suicide.

Paynter, Ronnie L. "Suicide by Cop." Law Enforcement Technology (June 2000): pp. 40-44.Abstract: Victim precipitated homicide happens more often than you might think. Being aware of the potential can help law enforcement officers avoid situations and deal with them if they do take place.

Quinnett, Paul. "QPR: Police Suicide Prevention." FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin (July 1998): pp. 19-24.Abstract: Discusses a new suicide intervention methodology. Called QPR, the intervention consists of three bold steps: questioning the meaning of possible suicidal communications, persuading the person in crisis to accept help and referring the person to the appropriate resource. QPR has particular application to law enforcement environments because of the nature of close-knit associations and the necessity of teamwork, both between the officers and their partners, as well as among spouses and family members throughout the organization.

Robbins, Paul R. Adolescent Suicide. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, 1998.Call Number: HV 6546.R6 1998Abstract: Offers a review of available therapies for suicidal adolescents and their families. The author also discusses gatekeeper training for school personnel and community leaders.

Scheel, Karen R. and John S. Westefeld. "Heavy Metal Music and Adolescent Suicidality: An Empirical Investigation." Adolescence (Summer 1999): pp. 253-55.Notes: (Available fulltext on Infotrac)Abstract: This study investigated the relationship between preference for heavy metal music and vulnerability to suicide among 121 high school students. For a large majority, listening to music (all types) had a positive effect on mood. Overall, the results indicate that preference for heavy metal music among adolescents may be a 'red flag' for increased suicidal vulnerability, but also suggests that the source of the problem may lie more in personal and familial characteristics than in any direct effects of the music. Implications for intervention and for future research are discussed.

U.S. Center for Disease Control. "Rates of Homicide, Suicide and Firearm Related Death Among Children in 26 Industrialized Countries." Morbidity and Mortality Report (February 1997): pp. 101-105 Call Number: HE 20.7009:46/5 Notes: (Also available fulltext on Westlaw) Abstract: The findings in this report indicate that the United States has the highest rates of childhood homicide, suicide and firearm related death among 26 industrialized countries.

________. "Regional Variations in Suicide Rates: United States, 1990-1994." Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (August 1997): pp. 789-94.Notes: (Available full text on Westlaw) Abstract: The Center for Disease Control examined U.S. suicide rates from 1990 through 1994 to determine whether regional variations in suicide rates are affected by differences in age, race, ethnicity and sex and to examine whether method - specific rates varied by region. This report summarizes the results of that analysis, which indicate that, despite adjustments for certain demographic variables, regional differences persist.

________. "Suicide Among Black Youths: United States, 1980-1995." Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (March 1998): pp. 193-97.Notes: (Available full text on Westlaw)Abstract: Summarizes trends in suicide among blacks aged 10-19 years in the United States during 1980-1995 and indicates that suicidal behavior among all youths has increased, however, rates for black youths have increased more.

Vannatta, Rachel A. "Adolescent Gender Differences in Suicide - Related Behaviors." Journal of Youth and Adolescence (October 1, 1997): pp. 559-69.Notes: (Available full text on Westlaw)Abstract: Due to its alarming presence among adolescents, suicide has finally been taken more seriously as many parents, educators and health professionals attempt to understand and thus prevent adolescent suicide. However, this task has not been easy since male and female adolescents express depression and suicidality differently and often through a variety of risk-taking and self-destructive behaviors.

Violanti, John M. Police Suicide: Epidemic in Blue. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas, 1996.Call Number: HV 7936.S77V56 1996Abstract: Police officers kill themselves more than they are killed by others. Major epidemiological studies have shown that the police suicide rate is over three times that of the general population, and the rates appear to have increased over the past decade. This book brings together some knowledge on police suicide and introduces some promising new findings on prevention.

Werth, James L. Jr., et al. "A Primer on Rational Suicide and Other Forms of Hastened Death." Counseling Psychologist (July 2000): pp. 511-39. Notes: (Available full text on Dialog)Abstract: Provides an overview of the major mental health issues involved in the debate over rational suicide and other forms of hastened death. It covers the arguments for including counseling psychologists and other mental health professionals in discussions about hastened death. Offers direction for those psychologists who are working with persons who may be rational in their decisions to hasten death.

Westefeld, John S., et al. "Suicide: An Overview." Counseling Psychologist (July 2000): pp. 445-510: Notes: (Available full text on Dialog) Abstract: Provides counseling psychology educators and practitioners with an overview of the field of suicidology as it applies to the training and practice of counseling psychology.

Wilson, Edward F., et al. "Homicide or Suicide: The Killing of Suicidal Persons by Law Enforcement Officers." Journal of Forensics Sciences vol. 43, no. 1(1998): pp. 46-52.Abstract: Describes 15 deaths of suicidal persons in Oregon and Florida who provoked law enforcement officers into killing them. Data was obtained from medical and police agency records.

Yoder, Kevin A., et al. "Suicidal Behavior Among Homeless and Runaway Adolescents." Journal of Youth and Adolescence (December 1, 1998): pp. 753-66.Notes: (Available full text on Westlaw) Abstract: Provides a descriptive and multivariate study of the correlates of suicidal ideation and the likelihood of a suicide attempt in a sample of homeless and runaway adolescents from four Midwestern states.

Compiled by Marian Allen, 11/00