Study of Suicide Cases in State Police Personnel

The research was funded by the Bureau of Police Research & Development, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India and focused on the unexplored areas of police suicide in India. In this research, we attempt to identify the causes of suicide cases in police profession in India through statistical data and review of literature and form possible ways to solve this problem. The research project has following objectives: 1) Identifying the factors that led to suicide of police personnel; 2) Identifying the causes of stress amongst the existing State police forces; 3) Identifying and determining the factors which might lead to suicide of police personnel in near future; 4) Providing suggestions and recommendations to prevent the cases of suicide.

drspsahni@jgu.edu.in

Research Findings

The analysis of the data collected revealed that most of the deceased were married and were in the rank of constable-the lower most rank in the police service, (90% of them who committed suicide were in this rank at the time of the event). Most of them were above 36 years of age and hence immaturity as a reason for this decision may be ruled out. All of them had chosen to be in the profession and most of them continued to like it. Although queries related to intricate aspects of the professional difficulties such as punishing commoner, imprisoning, receiving bribes, being threatened by the guilty were attempted, very few responses were received because of which the analysis remained inconclusive. But it may be noted, that these areas are extremely crucial factors that may define a police personnel’s thinking pattern and then later his decision. Similarly, issues related to his religious orientation too did not yield very conclusive answers although one may conclude that none of them were fanatics.

Outcomes of the Project

The report was successfully submitted to BPR&D on 31st March 2013 and revised report based on the recommendation of BPR&D in 2015.