Psychology Professor Trains NYPD
On Thursday, December 17th, a training for NYPD detectives, State Patrol, and Port Authority law enforcement was held to strengthen their skills around conducting psychological autopsies on those officers who have taken their own lives or attempted suicide. Dr. Melinda Moore, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at Eastern Kentucky University, was faculty for this training at NYPD Headquarters in New York City. “It was an honor to provide this critical and specialized training to some of our nation’s most elite police officers,” said Dr. Moore.
“This is a tough job – one that can be stressful or dangerous, and is often misunderstood. And your personal life can be even tougher,” Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill said. The effort to raise awareness around law enforcement suicide is part of a larger effort of the New York City Police Department, with support from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the American Association of Suicidology. Dr. Moore is also the Clinical Division Director of the American Association of Suicidology.
“The American Association of Suicidology is incredibly proud to support the NYPD in exemplifying supportive leadership. By speaking openly about suicide prevention resources, the NYPD is reducing the prejudice and discrimination surrounding suicide thoughts and mental health issues from the top down,” said Colleen Creighton, Executive Director of the American Association of Suicidology. “ Likewise, by encouraging those in its department to support one another and reach out when needed, they are actively saving more lives.”
Published on December 17, 2018