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NYPD Suicides: 9th Officer Dies, More Than Double Rate Over 2018

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- For the ninth time so far this year and the second time this week, an NYPD officer has died of apparent suicide.

Law enforcement sources tell CBS2 the off-duty officer died of what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

His wife found him inside their home in the Laurelton section of Queens and called 911. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The officer's name has not been released at this time, but sources say the 56-year-old officer had been with the NYPD for 25 years.

This report comes just one day after another NYPD officer died of an apparent suicide. That officer was a 7-year veteran who had been temporarily assigned to Yankee Stadium.

Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams released the following statement Wednesday evening:

"It seems like each day, we hear of another officer who has taken their own life. We are losing members of New York's Finest to this epidemic faster than we can count, and we need to address it immediately. I know from personal experience how powerful meditation can be for those grappling with trauma and other mental health issues. When I left the NYPD after 22 years on the force, I was dealing with undiagnosed PTSD. I used meditation to bring myself into emotional equilibrium. I, along with the PBA, am calling on Mayor de Blasio and Commissioner O'Neill to implement training for officers on meditation and mindfulness practices, the same way we train them to use weapons. Police departments across the country are beginning to introduce mindfulness practices to help their members. It's time we do the same."

NYPD Suicides: Advocates Pushing Department To Offer Mindfulness Training For Officers

The NYPD has listed the following resources for officers in need of help.

NYPD-SPECIFIC:

  • Employee Assistance Unit: 646-610-6730
  • Chaplains Unit: 212-473-2363
  • POPPA (independent from the NYPD): 888-267-7267

OUTSIDE OPTIONS:

  • NYC WELL: Text, call, & chat www.nyc.gov/nycwell
  • Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255)
  • Crisis Text Line: Law enforcement officers can text BLUE to 741741 (non-law enforcement can text TALK to 741741)
  • Call 911 for emergencies
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