A New York Police Department (NYPD) sergeant, aged 44, was discovered dead in his car in Flushing, Queens, New York City, on Monday evening, December 23. Law enforcement sources reported that the cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The incident occurred around 7:20 p.m. on a residential block.
The sergeant’s identity is being withheld at this time. An ongoing investigation is underway into the circumstances of his death.
The NYPD is mourning yet another loss following Officer Gregory Purvis’s suicide in August. Purvis, a four-year member of the department, was found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound in an Upper Manhattan apartment. When officers responded to the scene, they discovered a firearm near his body.
Reacting to the incident, NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry stated, “We lost another brother to the trauma of this work,” and urged his fellow officers to reach out when they are struggling, emphasizing there are always people ready to lend an ear.
On October 16, retired NYPD detective Sean O’Neill, 54, killed his wife, Arlene O’Neill, before dying by suicide in their Yonkers, New York home. The couple’s three children were present during the incident but remained unharmed. Arlene, a beloved fifth-grade teacher, was mourned by her community.
The NYPD has grappled with a high rate of officer suicides in recent years. In 2019, ten officer suicides prompted the department to enhance mental health resources and support for its personnel. At the time, NYPD Commissioner James O’Neill referred to the situation as a departmental crisis and urged all 55,000 officers and civilian employees to prioritize mental health.
Despite these measures, the stigma associated with seeking mental health support continues to pose a significant challenge within the department.
Several NYPD officers died by suicide in 2023, highlighting the ongoing mental health issues within the force. In January, an officer was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a car near Brookville Park in Queens, New York. In March, a 22-year-old officer from the 123rd Precinct in Staten Island, New York, also died by suicide.
Studies show that police officers encounter higher mental health risks due to job-related stress. A survey found that 78% of officers experience significant stress, and 16% have contemplated suicide. However, 90% feel there is a stigma associated with seeking help. This reluctance is often attributed to intense work pressure, the expectation to suppress emotions, and easy access to firearms.
The NYPD provides several internal support services, including the Employee Assistance Unit (EAU), the Chaplain’s Unit, and the Police Organization Providing Peer Assistance (POPPA). The department also collaborates with external resources like the FINEST CARE program, which offers free, confidential mental health services. Officers can also join weekly support groups focusing on stress management, relationships, women’s wellness, and mindfulness.
In partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Community Mental Health, the NYPD has enhanced its mental health support services. This collaboration has led to the creation of specialized training programs on suicide prevention and crisis intervention, effectively reaching over 40,000 NYPD personnel. The office has also established Co-Response Teams, comprising police officers and clinicians who proactively engage with individuals experiencing mental health crises.
As part of its response to the ongoing crisis, the NYPD has implemented the Critical Incident Stress Management Program and expanded individual support appointments. The Health and Wellness Section provides comprehensive services, including fitness and nutrition support. Additional resources include the Counseling Services Unit and Medical Division Psychological Evaluation Section. Non-department resources are also available, such as the NYLEAP program, Northwell Finest Care, and the Law Enforcement Officer’s Crisis Text Line.
Across the US, more officers die by suicide annually than from violence on duty. Law enforcement agencies, including the Chicago Police Department, have been working to address these challenges by enhancing employee assistance programs and mental health resources. These initiatives aim to better support officers grappling with the psychological impact of their profession.
