S4 E24 Fatal 10: Deadly Factors Behind Officer Suicides with Guest Dr. Olivia Johnson

Responder Resilience

In this dynamic episode, Stacy and David sit down with the remarkable Dr. Olivia Johnson, Founder of the Blue Wall Institute. They dive into one of the most pressing issues in law enforcement today: police officer suicide. Dr. Johnson, with a master's in criminology and criminal justice from the University of Missouri, St. Louis, and a doctorate in organizational leadership management, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. A veteran of the United States Air Force and a former police officer, she knows the battlefield both inside and out.
The conversation catapults into the deep, dark waters of why so many officers are taking their own lives. Dr. Johnson unveils her groundbreaking “Fatal 10” – the ten most common factors contributing to these tragic decisions. The discussion is raw and real, peeling back layers of stigma and denial. The team questions why we keep repeating the same ineffective strategies, hoping for different outcomes. Dr. Johnson argues for mandatory mental health checks to reduce stigma and normalize discussions around mental health, pushing for a seismic shift in how agencies handle wellness.
Blue Wall Institute stands alone as the only organization globally that meticulously collects data on corrections and law enforcement officers' suicide deaths, non-fatal attempts, domestic violence, and accidental overdose deaths. They’ve mapped out the Fatal 10 risk factors, providing a sobering look at the common threads in these tragedies. This episode isn't just informative; it’s a call to action, urging listeners to rethink and reshape the mental health landscape for those who serve and protect.

Contact Dr. Olivia Johnson:
Website: https://www.bw-institute.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-olivia-johnson-41956425/

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