On Monday evening, an New York Police Department (NYPD) sergeant, 44, was discovered dead in his car in Queens, New York City. He died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to law enforcement sources. The event took place around 7:20 p.m. on a residential street in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens.
The sergeant’s identity remains undisclosed. An investigation into the circumstances of his death is ongoing.
This tragedy follows the suicide of Officer Gregory Purvis, an NYPD officer who took his own life in an Upper Manhattan apartment last August. Officer Purvis, who had served the department for four years, was stationed at the 30th Precinct in Hamilton Heights. On August 20, after parking his car near an apartment building on West 186th Street in the Fort George neighborhood, he entered the residence. His partner, alarmed by the lack of communication, arrived at the location, peeked through a window, and found Purvis on the floor. Responding officers discovered him with a gunshot wound to the head, and a firearm was recovered at the scene.
Addressing the incident, NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry stated, “We lost another brother to the trauma of this work,” and added, “To the men and women who wear the uniform, please know that there are always, always people willing to listen about the bad days, about the days that hit too close to home.”
On October 16, Sean O’Neill, a 54-year-old retired NYPD detective, shot his wife, Arlene O’Neill, before taking his own life in their Yonkers, New York home. Their three children were in the house during the incident but were not harmed. Arlene, a beloved fifth-grade teacher, was warmly remembered by her community.
The NYPD has been grappling with mental health issues among its officers for several years. In 2019, ten officer suicides shook the department, leading to a heightened emphasis on mental health resources and support for law enforcement personnel. NYPD Commissioner James O’Neill referred to the situation as a crisis and issued a note to all 55,000 NYPD staff, both officers and civilians, urging them to prioritize their mental health.
Nevertheless, the department continues to struggle with reducing the stigma related to seeking mental health support among its personnel.
In 2023, several officer suicides underscored the ongoing mental health challenges within the NYPD. On January 20, an officer was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside a vehicle near Brookville Park in Queens. The identity of the officer was not disclosed. On March 2, 2023, a 22-year-old officer assigned to the 123rd Precinct in Staten Island died by suicide at his home. The officer had been involved in a police shooting in Coney Island in November 2022, in which a suspect fired at officers before being fatally shot by police.
Research indicates that police officers face higher risks of mental health issues compared to other professions due to job-related stressors. A survey found that 78% of police officers encounter critical stress at work, 16% have contemplated suicide, yet 90% feel there is a stigma attached to seeking help. Several factors contribute to these statistics, including intense work stress, peer pressure to suppress emotions, and easy access to firearms.
The NYPD offers several support services for its members, including the Employee Assistance Unit (EAU), the Chaplain’s Unit, and the Police Organization Providing Peer Assistance (POPPA). The department also collaborates with external resources such as the FINEST CARE program, which provides free and confidential mental health services. Weekly support groups focus on stress management, relationships, women’s wellness, and mindfulness. The department also facilitates a monthly grief support group and resources for retirement planning and financial wellness.
The Mayor’s Office of Community Mental Health has partnered with the NYPD to enhance mental health support, bringing in national experts to guide suicide prevention strategy. These efforts include specialized training on suicide prevention and crisis intervention for over 40,000 NYPD personnel. The office has also established Co-Response Teams, comprising police officers and clinicians who proactively engage with individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
Following earlier incidents, the NYPD initiated the Critical Incident Stress Management Program and expanded individual support appointments. The department’s Health and Wellness Section provides a range of services, including fitness and nutrition support. Other resources include the Counseling Services Unit and Medical Division Psychological Evaluation Section. Non-department resources such as the NYLEAP program, Northwell Finest Care, and the Law Enforcement Officer’s Crisis Text Line are also available.
Nationally, more police officers die from suicide annually than from violence while on duty. Law enforcement agencies across the country, including the Chicago Police Department, are working to address these challenges through enhanced employee assistance programs and mental health resources. These initiatives aim to better support officers coping with the psychological impact of their work.
