New York City's Top Cop Details New Suicide Prevention Plan

NYPD Commissioner James O'Neill speaks to reporters the morning after Deborah Danner was killed in the Bronx.

The New York Police Department is facing a crisis in its ranks: this June, four police officers killed themselves, making for a total of six this year. Putting that into perspective, the NYPD has said it has averaged about four or five suicides per year over the last five years. While it's unclear what's behind the recent incidents, they reflect a longstanding problem within the force: that officers fear being stigmatized and even losing their job if they come forward about their mental health challenges.

In an effort to address these issues in the department, the NYPD has created a new task force to address mental health concerns in its ranks, as well as drafting new policies to help officers who may be struggling on the job. This week, Commissioner James O'Neill announced a series of plans to train all NYPD personnel on how to help their colleagues, and is developing a peer counseling program that will be rolled out to every precinct in the city. O'Neill told WNYC's Jami Floyd that the recent incidents have hit home, particularly because two of the officers were friends. Now, he wants to change the "culture of silence" embedded in the NYPD.

"It really sets you back on your heels when something like this happens. This is a tough job to begin with—cops face difficult situations each and every day, they're exposed to a lot of trauma, but when this happens we have to take steps here," said O'Neill.

For the full conversation, click "Listen."

If you or someone you know might be considering suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.