NEW BRUNSWICK – Governor Jon S. Corzine today announced the creation of a task force on suicides by police officers in the wake of a spike in law enforcement personnel taking their own lives.

“The job-related stress experienced by law enforcement professionals is incredible, and this alarming increase in suicides among these brave men and women deserves our quick and immediate attention,” Governor Corzine said. “On a daily basis, we depend on these individuals to keep us safe on our streets and in our homes. It is our responsibility to extend a helping hand in their hour of need.”

Governor Corzine made the announcement during the Out of the Darkness Community Walk in New Brunswick, a fundraiser for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

In September, the state Policemen’s Benevolent Association asked for the establishment of a task force, citing that police suicides have reached epidemic proportions nationwide. Thus far this year, eight New Jersey police officers have taken their own lives, resulting in devastating effects on the officers’ families and colleagues.

 Preliminary estimates show an average of 12 New Jersey law enforcement suicides each year from 2003 to 2007, which includes police, corrections, and retired and disabled officers. The average for suicides is higher than the number of officers killed in the line of duty in the state.

“If we are to maintain a ready and viable team of law enforcement professionals, we owe it to them to provide all the necessary tools to deal with every danger they might encounter – physical, or otherwise,” Governor Corzine said.

The 14-member task force will be charged with developing a strategy to assist law enforcement officials to deal with stress and other mental health issues. The task force will be comprised of representatives of local law enforcement organizations, the state police, mental health professionals, a representative for non-commissioned officers, a representative from the Attorney General’s Office, and organizations for families of fallen officers. Attorney General Anne Milgram and Department of Human Services Commissioner Jennifer Velez will co-chair the task force.

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