Considering the obstacles in the scientific study of suicide, Violante's efforts in Police Suicide: Epidemic in Blue (published by Charles C. Thomas, Springfield, Illinois, 1996) are courageous and admirable. Suicide remains an intimidating subject, especially because the individuals that researchers really need to talk to are dead. By adding this complication to a law enforcement culture already not anxious to be studied, examining a resistant subject poses problems. Still, the author discovers critical information regarding police suicide. After spending 23 years as a police officer, the author knows where to look for answers.

The book begins with individual case studies, followed by a review of the limited research available about police suicide. The author lines up the usual suspects in the course of his survey: stress, experience of traumatic events, alcohol abuse and a final failure to cope with the multiple job and personal problems that some officers encounter. This book provides a brief review of the theoretical work of others and then describes the author's own theoretical model, one which deserves more study in other high-risk occupational groups. The Role Constriction Theory, suggests that the selection procedures, training, job stress, and expectations cause police officers' lives to become overly constricted and, therefore, potentially dangerous as their options to change or get help become limited.

Does living life inside a uniform put an individual at a higher risk for self-destruction? Perhaps, if its wearer becomes psychologically unable to reach out for help or take help when offered. Individuals disguise depression, alcohol abuse, personal fears and demons easier than people realize, especially those individuals who are trained to keep their feelings out of sight. Recognizing this, in the last chapter, Violanti discusses the needs of survivors of police suicide. His advice in this area could help ameliorate the complicated bereavement and grief suffered by the survivors of suicide. Police Suicide: Epidemic in Blue deserves a wide audience. I think you will find it worthy of reading.