Members of security forces face higher risk factors for suicide than the general public, with autolysis rates often doubling or tripling the average. Yet this topic remains a major public health concern, acknowledged by psychologists and officers alike who remind communities that the issue affects society as a whole, and no one is exempt from accountability. Access to lethal means, such as firearms, is a significant risk factor, but there are job-specific pressures that extend beyond personal circumstances, including mandatory transfers, demanding schedules, and highly stressful duties that can intrude on daily life and personal freedoms.
The vice president of a well-known volunteer association for police and security personnel is set to attend a conference on suicide prevention next week. Civil Guards and police associations promote nationwide awareness among civilian guards, national police, and local police, inviting interested individuals to register by email. The conference will take place in a venue arranged by the Alicante Command and dedicated to the association on the fifteenth, from 16:00 to 21:00.
Blue and Green Angels Association comprises volunteers and mental health professionals from the police and security services who work together to prevent suicide and provide emotional support to colleagues facing difficult times. The conference will feature officers and psychologists who will share information on suicide prevention, addressing myths, risk factors, protective factors, and warning signs that require prompt action. The program also includes hands-on exercises to help officers recognize and respond to suicidal behavior in the line of work, as well as guidance on supporting a partner, family member, or friend who may be at risk, as explained by the association’s representative.
The practical guidance covers how to contact and support families after a death, how to convey bad news with sensitivity, and how to reduce stress for those affected. The goal is to equip responders with clear steps to manage difficult situations with empathy and composure.
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Suicide figures within security forces tend to stay above the general population average, though there is no clear upward trend. Officials prefer not to discuss numbers publicly since they are not official statistics, but recent reports noted that twenty-eight agents took their lives in the country last year, with thirty-four in the previous year.
The provincial representative for the association stresses the importance of education in preventing suicidal behavior. He notes that security personnel are often exposed to situations that could lead to self-harm, underscoring the need for ongoing prevention measures in daily duties.
The association’s vice president argues that suicide rates can be reduced across all professions, including police and security agencies, provided there is adequate funding. A national suicide prevention plan has been approved and implemented in practice, reflecting many of its stated principles.
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There are numerous steps that can lower suicide risk in security forces. The police sector aims to add more medical professionals and offer expanded education—not only on suicide prevention but also on emotional and stress management, and group leadership. Training now increasingly covers how leaders can motivate and guide teams and how to respond when crisis emerges in the field.
Historically, these topics received little public attention, and higher-level agencies had limited solutions. Today, more emphasis on emotional regulation and stress management is appearing in academies, signaling progress that takes time to translate into everyday practice.
Awareness remains uneven, but efforts are growing to emphasize the importance of preventing suicide. Officers frequently encounter individuals at risk, and many critical moments hinge on the response they provide. Equipping citizens with better understanding and skills in intervention can reduce stress for responders and improve outcomes for people in distress.
“Awareness is not yet widespread, but it is increasing”, says a leading advocate. The goal is to help officers and civilians alike recognize risk and respond effectively. When intervention is timely and appropriate, stress on the responder decreases and the chance of a tragic outcome improves.