Standoff, Officer Suicides Highlight Stress Of Police Work

Standoff, Officer Suicides Highlight Stress Of Police Work

IMPD Officer Taken Into Custody After 4-Hour Standoff
February 16, 2012

INDIANAPOLIS -- A standoff sparked by an Indianapolis police officer who threatened to kill himself came the same day as another officer suicide in New York City, highlighting the emotional stress of police work.

Veteran Indianapolis Officer Craig Ratcliffe had just split with his girlfriend when he left his beat and drove to north side, where he called family, friends and police, threatening to kill himself, police said.

He eventually surrendered and was taken to Wishard Memorial Hospital for evaluation.
"It's unfortunate. Obviously, he's got some issues he's got to deal with," said Sgt. Bill Owensby, president of the Fraternal Order of Police union. "Fortunately, we have the capabilities of dealing with them. We like to educate our members about peer support to head these things off before they fester."
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