Suicide is a permanent answer to a temporary problem." Who is responsible, ultimately, for ensuring that a suicidal person doesn't act upon their impulses?
One of the hidden aspects of the life of correctional officers is suicide. Even the mention of suicide within the circle of officers draws a sobering solemn response. Many officers with disengage and withdraw when the topic is broached. Yet, the leading killer in law enforcement continues to be suicide. The latest horrific trend has been a growing number of murder suicide incidents in corrections.
I am not sure how often pastoral clergy engage in a suicide crisis, but I do know that law enforcement chaplains, especially those in corrections, see suicide crisis much more frequently than most clergy. In the past several years as an NJDOC [New Jersey Department of Corrections] Chaplain I have responded to no less than 5 officer suicides with 2 of them involving murder. Suicide for correctional chaplains is an ever-present challenge, and the chaplain is often left to deal with those left behind wondering “why?”
In the essay at www.Philemontrainingac.com the author reflects on the emotional and professional challenges faced by chaplains when encountering inmate suicides. The core points include:
1. Suicide in Corrections: The essay emphasizes the rising statistics of suicides among both inmates and correctional officers, highlighting a serious issue within correctional facilities.
2. Accountability and Blame: The author contests the tendency of families and communities to blame corrections for inmate suicides, suggesting that the responsibility ultimately lies with the individuals themselves.
3. Role of Chaplains: Chaplains, while deeply empathetic and compassionate, view the act of taking one's life as ultimately within the domain of divine judgment and understanding.
4. Spiritual Perspective: The author underscores the importance of seeking God's understanding and recognizing the spiritual implications of suicide, rather than solely attributing blame to human actions.
5. Resource for Further Reading: The essay directs readers to the author's additional writing and training materials available at www.Philemontrainingac.com for a more comprehensive exploration of the topic.
Through the lens of faith in Jesus Christ, the author conveys a deep sense of compassion and grief for those who take their own lives, whether they are inmates or correctional officers.