"It's a mental health crisis": New York police officer dies third alleged suicide victim in less than 10 days



[ad_1]

A police officer from the 29-year-old New York Police Department died Friday in apparent suicide. This is the third suspected suicide in the department in less than two weeks. "It's a mental health crisis," said Friday the New York Police Commissioner, James O'Neill.

New York police said the police officer, who was not identified, shot himself in the head near Staten Island. He had been in the NYPD for six years.

The officer's death comes just a week after the death of two apparently suicide detectives in less than 24 hours. Deputy Chief Steven Silks' body was found near Forest Hills Stadium in Queens on June 5th, according to The New York Times. Police said the 64-year-old veteran had died as a result of a gunshot wound that would have been inflicted on him. A day later, detective Joseph Calabrese, 58, was found on a beach near Brooklyn's Belt Parkway, also from a gunshot wound that was inflicted on him.

O'Neill promised that the NYPD would take "immediate action".

"We can not allow this to continue," said O'Neill. "Cops spend so much time helping others, but before we can help the people we serve, it is imperative that we help ourselves first." There is no shame in asking some of the many resources available, both within and outside the ministry.Accepting help is never a sign of weakness, it is actually a sign of great strength. "

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city was working with the NYPD to "put resources at the center of our concerns so that our officers have all the support possible."

"Three brave members of our police force have lost their lives in recent days," he tweeted. "All led a life that improved their community, all their lives made sense."

[ad_2]

Source link