The Badge of Life USA and Badge of Life Canadawork together as partners in law enforcement for police officers in both Canada and the United States. We don't believe borders stand between those who protect the public, particularly when it comes to their emotional well-being. All our services are free.
According to police chiefs, no, it can't. In a study of almost 300 police suicides in 2008/2009, not a single one was attributed to the stresses or trauma of police work. The most obvious cases are swept under the carpet--"can't happen."
Go to this page and watch the video, Police Suicide, Where is the Piper?and decide for yourself. Then, add your name to our growing list of pipers who bear witness to those who have lost their lives to the horrific trauma of the job.
"In the end we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends."
--Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Editor Peter Platt urges officers and retirees to read about the value of mental health checks--go to
The Military Family Resource Centre of the National Capital Region (MFRC-NCR) is a community based non-profit charitable organization established to provide information, support and referral. Our programs are designed to meet the needs of military families and to give them opportunities to enhance their quality of life.
The mission of the US Wounded Soldier Foundation is to provide for the needs of our combat veterans deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Psychiatric Service Dog Society (PSDS) is dedicated to responsible Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) education, advocacy, research and training facilitation. We provide essential information for persons disabled by severe mental illness, who wish to train a service dog to assist with the management of symptoms.
A collection by our staff of the best authors and researchers on the subjects of police suicide and mental health in law enforcement.
MARK BONOKOSKI BLOGMark Bonokoski is a passionate writer with deep convictions when it comes to law enforcement. His recent five-part series on PTSD and suicide in law enforcement, focusing on the recent landmark case of Eddie Adamson, are deserving of awards.
The Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontariois committed to improving the lives of people with mental illness and their families, and to the promotion of mental health for all Ontarians.
Sergeant Edward Adamson of the Toronto Police Department died a horrific death--from his own gun, 25 years after undergoing the emotional on-duty torture of a hostage situation and shootout that would be unimaginable for most police officers. After his suicide, his death was ruled to have been clearly in the line of duty by the Workers Compensation Board. There was immediate press attention and the Toronto Police Association assurred the public they would strive to see Sergeant Adamson's name placed on the local and national memorial walls--where heroes like him belong.