Police suicide is a serious and often overlooked issue within law enforcement. This article explores the tragic death of Sgt. Craig Hutchinson and highlights the broader problem of police suicide, offering insights into warning signs and available resources.
In a somber incident, authorities in Round Rock, Texas, ruled the death of Sgt. Craig Hutchinson as a suicide. On July 25, 2016, the Travis County Sheriff’s Department dispatch received a call reporting prowlers in Hutchinson’s backyard. Hutchinson, who was returning home from duty in uniform, was never heard from again. His body was discovered 13 minutes later, deceased from a gunshot wound that passed through his hand and into the left side of his head.
Round Rock police found one shell casing at the scene and no other signs of a crime. Toxicology reports indicated the only drug in his system was ibuprofen. Investigators revealed that Hutchinson had a history of depression and anxiety and had been prescribed an antidepressant in 2015, but the drug was not present in his system at the time of his death.
Travis County Sheriff Greg Hamilton expressed his gratitude to the Round Rock Police for their work and apologized to the citizens of Williamson County for the resources spent on the investigation. Sheriff Hamilton lamented that he was unaware of Hutchinson’s state of mind. Visibly emotional, he pledged to address the issue of officer well-being within Travis County, emphasizing the preciousness of life and the importance of seeking help.
KVUE Defenders reported that 51 officers nationwide died by suicide between June and December 2015. The suicide rate in the general population was 11 per 100,000, while for officers, it was significantly higher at 18 per 100,000. The Department of Justice launched an officer safety initiative called Valor for Blue to address this critical issue.
Sgt. Hutchinson’s suicide underscores a larger concern: Why would a 31-year veteran of public service believe life was no longer worth living? Peace officers taking their own lives is a real problem, often stemming from inner demons created by the demands of the job. Recognizing warning signs is crucial. Mark Bond, Faculty Member, Criminal Justice at American Military University, provided critical warning signs that all officers should look for:
There are likely many other officers suffering in silence. The following is a partial list of resources available for those who need help:
The title of this article is a double entendre: Police suicide is a grave (serious) problem since it leads to the grave (death). We should strive to recognize red flags and take action, leading to positive outcomes and preventing such tragedies. Let’s work together to support our law enforcement community.
– Jim McNeff