What is the recommended action when an officer communicates a plan to end their life?

• A. Stay with them, ensure they do not have access to weapons, and follow agency policies for immediate intervention.
• B. Leave them alone and seek supervisor guidance from a distance.
• C. Push for immediate assignment to hazardous duty to distract them.
• D. Ignore until they express desire to talk.

Answer: (A)

When someone signals a plan to end their life, safety must come first. The best action is to stay with them, prevent access to weapons or means to harm themselves, and activate immediate intervention according to your agency’s policies. Staying with them communicates care, reduces isolation, and creates a safer moment to involve trained professionals. While you’re with them, speak in a calm, nonjudgmental way, listen to their concerns, and assess the level of risk, all while arranging for crisis response or emergency medical help as soon as possible.

Calling for a supervisor and the appropriate crisis or emergency services, and arranging transport to a mental health or medical facility if needed, are essential steps. Afterward, follow your agency’s documentation and debriefing procedures and connect them with ongoing support. Leaving them alone, trying to distract them with dangerous tasks, or ignoring the warning signs delays critical help and increases risk.