Abuse of Power

THE clearinghouse on police-perpetrated domestic violence

...the police culture often serves to shield officers from accountability

Suicide and Lethality

EXCERPT from When the Batterer Is a Law Enforcement Officer: A Guide for Advocates (The complete Guide (96 pgs) is available in PDF format at no charge through the Battered Women's Justice Project.)

Risk Factors

We must not underestimate the danger of suicide or murder/suicide in officer-involved domestic abuse. The batterer's suicide threats, ready access to firearms, and suspicion or knowledge of your plan to leave are among the risk factors associated with domestic violence homicide. Two of the most significant predictors of murder and/or suicide among law enforcement officers are problems on the job and problems in the intimate relationship. If you report your abuse, your report will likely trigger an investigation.

Things to consider:

  • Is the officer under investigation?
  • Has the department confiscated his/her weapons?
  • Is the officer's job in jeopardy?
  • Has the officer been transferred or removed from active duty?
  • Is the officer experiencing marriage or relationship problems?
  • Does the officer suspect/know the intimate partner is planning to leave?
  • Does the officer suspect/know the intimate partner is planning to report the abuse?
  • Is the officer having an extramarital affair?
  • Has the officer decreased time spent with the children?

Investigation

A department responds to a complaint of domestic violence by opening an internal investigation and, if warranted, a criminal investigation. Either type of investigation is extremely threatening to an officer and is a dangerous period for you. The threat of being investigated and found guilty (administratively or criminally) may be enough to escalate the abuser to the point of homicide and/or suicide. You and your advocate must review the process, implications and safety concerns associated with an internal investigation.

Discipline and Termination

Removing an officer's weapon may increase the risk of suicide because of its association with loss of career and identity as an officer. An abusive officer may decide that he has nothing more to lose when facing dismissal, regardless of the context.