Between Defunding and Anger From Different Groups, Officers Are Facing More Troubles Than Ever Before – and That’s Leading to a Rise In Suicides
Many police officers have gone through a world of hell over the past couple of years, between defunding by a number of government offices and hatred from various groups over certain conditions. As a result, police suicides are on the rise, and it’s leading to unfathomable odds for those in blue.
In a recent report on Fox News, retired Chicago Police Department Chief of Detectives Eugene Roy explained, “The suicides and the current climate go hand in hand.” As a result, some believe that the whole “protect and serve” aspect is completely out the window. “Officers are the subject of vilification, disrespect, false claims, and they’re not being supported by the government agencies that employ them.”
To further drive that point home, another report revealed that, in the wake of a trio of officer suicides, the Chicago Police Department has cancelled days off for the already hard-working staff that remains. The city has already seen a 60 percent increase in officer suicides over the national average, but this recent cancellation could bring morale down even further.
Speaking with us now is pro-police advocate Michael Letts, who serves as founder and CEO for InVest USA. They are an organization that provides bulletproof vests to officers across the country, through various charitable foundations and sponsorships. His expertise will certainly weigh in heavily with this matter.
Q&A:
- How disturbed are you to see this high of a rise in officer suicides over the years?
- There’s also bound to be a great deal of frustration, especially with the lack of support from higher-up government offices. Do you believe they’re feeling pressure from all these groups against the police, or could it be something else?
- We’ve seen everything from fingers pointed at Border Patrol agents for “whipping” to reports of random violence against citizens. Could the media be “having it out” against officers as well? Do you feel their coverage is unbalanced?
- What more do you believe the government can do to help these officers? Clearly something needs to be done to boost the morale of the Chicago Police Department, especially with cancellation of days off. They need to recharge too, right?
- For those that still support police, what more can they do to help them out at their job? What support tools do you recommend to those that want to help the men (and women) in blue?
- Do you believe the frustration against officers will settle anytime soon? Or could it get worse as the rest of 2022 unfolds?
- Where can we learn more about what you and your staff are doing over at InVest USA?
- You can visit the official website at http://www.investusa.org.
About Michael Letts:
Michael Letts is the Founder, President, and CEO of In-Vest USA, a national grassroots non-profit organization that is helping hundreds of communities provide thousands of bulletproof vests for their police forces through educational, public relations, sponsorship, and fundraising programs. Those interested in learning more about Letts can visit his official website here.
CONTACT: Gerald McGlothlin at: jerry.specialguests@gmail.com
