Police Help Prevent Suicide

Lothian and Borders police officers are being issued with a new guide on handling cases of suicide and self-harm. The guide will help frontline officers intervene early in situations where youngsters are deliberately injuring themselves or likely to take their own lives.

The advice was compiled by Sergeant Matt Richards and is the first of its kind for a force in the UK. Officers will now have vital information on spotting "danger signs" and a comprehensive list of agencies that can offer support to young people. The manual also advises officers to follow self-harm victims to hospital to ensure they are referred for suitable help.

Sgt Richards said: "In 2002, I was asked to write a report following an increase in young people committing suicide in Edinburgh.

"I was looking at how the police could be part of a multi-agency approach towards suicide prevention. I was then asked to put together a general order for officers who attend self-harming incidents and suicides.

He added: "If police are visiting a home where there has been an incident, they can learn to look out for evidence of self-harm and understand what that can lead to.

"The guide encourages them to go with people to accident and emergency to ensure the doctor makes a suitable referral."

The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) is now looking at the guide as a template for a national version.

Caroline Farquhar, Choose Life Head of Implementation, said: "This is an extremely welcome development. Suicide prevention is everybody's business and the police have a specific role to play in supporting certain at risk individuals. The guide by Lothian & Borders police will significantly enhance police officer's awareness of suicide prevention and hopefully add to the overall aim of reducing suicides in Scotland."

Please contact info@chooselife.net for more information.