Three current and one former employee take own lives in 24 hour period
Los Angeles Sheriff Robert Luna is pleading with his deputies throughout the county to check in on the well being of their fellow colleagues and friends.
The county’s top law enforcement official made his plea Wednesday when the department announced the suicide deaths of three current employees and one former employee all in the span of a 24-hour period beginning Monday through Tuesday. The department says it does not appear the four deaths were related in any way nor does it suspect foul play in any of the cases.
Studies have shown there is an elevated risk of suicide among law enforcement workers than other occupations. Researchers have attributed the higher numbers to the stresses of police work, heightened public scrutiny over recent high-profile law enforcement killings, and easy access to firearms.
There have been four other suicides in the department in 2023. Luna said there are counseling units to support officers and their families.
(Brittany Murray:MediaNews Group:Long Beach Press-Telegram via Getty Images).webp
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna speaks at a news conference addressing a rash of suicides among Sheriff’s Department employees. Brittany Murray: MediaNews Group: Long Beach Press-Telegram via Getty Images
UPDATED ARTICLE BELOW:
LA Sheriff’s Department rocked by four suicides in 24-hour period
Sheriff Robert Luna says deaths are not related, expresses concern for his employees’ well-being
Three active and one former employees of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department took their own lives in one 24-hour period beginning Nov. 6. The deaths have shaken not only the Sheriff’s Department, but law enforcement agencies in general who reportedly have a higher rate of suicide than other occupations.
One of the deceased found Monday in his Santa Clarita home was Cmdr. Darren Harris. Harris was a jailer and was also recognizable to many after serving for years as a department spokesperson during TV news reports. He is said to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Later that same day, the body of Greg Hovland was found at his Quartz Hill home. Hovland was a sergeant who worked in the Antelope Valley before his retirement from the force.
Another LASD employee was found that evening at a home in Stevenson Ranch. The fourth death was reported Tuesday morning, Nov. 7, at 7:30 a.m. when sheriff’s homicide detectives were called to the scene at a Pomona hospital after an employee was found unresponsive at home. The jail worker was pronounced dead at the hospital.
At a news conference, Sheriff Robert Luna said the four most recent suicides were not related to each other and that no foul play was suspected in any of the cases. Luna pleaded with his employees to check in with their colleagues. He said he had the “deepest concern for our employees’ well-being.” Luna encouraged his deputies and employees to seek help through counseling services offered by the department.
Recent studies have been identifying a disturbing trend in law enforcement across the country. Research statistics cited in the National Library of Medicine are showing more police officers have died in recent years than the number killed in the line of duty. Studies have also shown that police officers are at higher risk of suicide than the general population or than employees in other lines of work. Identifying factors are high stress police work, heightened public scrutiny over recent high-profile police shootings, allegations of excessive force, allegations of misconduct, and easy access to firearms.
Still, the LASD has recently faced its own trauma and stress. Just last September, Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer, an eight-year department veteran recently engaged to be married, was shot and killed while on duty in Palmdale. Clinkunbroomer was in uniform and in his patrol car when he was shot for no apparent reason while stopped at a red light outside the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station. Clinkunbroomer was just 30 years old.
In 2023, a total of nine LASD employees or former employees have taken their own lives. Four suicides in a short period, however, shook the department to its core. Luna called the events shocking adding, “The Sheriff’s Department is beyond saddened to learn of the deaths involving four LASD employees. We are stunned. It has sent shockwaves of emotions throughout the department as we try to cope with the loss of not just one, but four beloved active and retired members of our department family.”
Luna this week has repeatedly called on his employees to not be embarrassed if they feel the need to talk through problems and stresses and to seek help if needed.
If you or someone you love is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org. Additional support is available at SpeakingOfSuicide.com/rescources.