In On the Edge, Recent Perspectives on Police Suicide, John Violanti, Andy O'Hara and Teresa Tate extend their academic research and knowledge on the subject to a national level.  Two of the authors, who have personally dealt with the aftermath of suicide, add a realistic description of what it is like to be “on the edge.” Violanti is a former NY State trooper and is now the nation's foremost researcher on police suicide.  Andy O'Hara is a retired California Highway Patrol sergeant who survived a near suicide and describes the feelings and pain he felt and how officers get to that point. Teresa Tate, a survivor of law enforcement suicide, cites case examples of the impact on families left behind. O'Hara presents a description of the pioneer “Badge of Life” program, which seeks to “depower” police trauma and, instead, “empower” the officer. In doing so, they will be prepared not only for stress but for trauma before it occurs and know what to do when it does.  Police stress management at its best.

SURVIVING THE SHADOWS:  Delving into the world of post-traumatic stress (PTS) with powerful and inspiring stories from an array of people who have suffered from it directly or indirectly, this book offers an insider's view of the dark and lonely world of this disorder. Culling together inspiring stories from his own experiences, author Bob Delaney combines stories of personal triumph--including his own--with accounts of doctors who have developed groundbreaking methods in dealing with the disorder, and profiles of one-of-a-kind programs around the country devoted to assisting sufferers.

COPS DON'T CRY: A most sobering look at the challenges faced by a spouse in a police relationship while at the same time providing great insight for officers on the impacts of shift work, controlling behaviors, weapons in the home and more.  Author Stone offers sound advice on making it all work, taking care of yourself and, above all, keeping a sense of humor.  It's tough, she notes, especially when such things as trauma and PTSD enter the picture--but again, she walks the reader through the steps of finding one’s way through. 

I Can't Get Over It  is a comprehensive book for trauma sufferers/survivors.  It's a clearly written breakdown of PTSD, what it is, its symptoms and biochemistry, and the healing process.  The author helps to create necessary cognitive frameworks that trauma survivors desperately need in order to begin to make sense of the strange experiences they are often frightened to share with others.  One of the most important things she articulates is the phenomenon of "secondary victimization." In brief, secondary victimization results from the well-meaning but damaging responses of friends and loved ones to your trauma.  An excellent resource to aid officers in understanding their PTSD.

STRESS MANAGEMENT IN LAW ENFORCEMENT:  A carefully selected collection of the leading articles on stress and its consequences for police personnel. This 2007 edition comprises nine sections which cover the following topics: What is Stress All About?; What Does Stress Mean for Cops?; Are There Ways We Can Tell It's There?; What Are Some of the Bad Effects of Stress on Cops?; How Does Stress Impact a Cop's Family Life?; How Does the Worst of the Worst Affect Cops?; What Are the Tools That a Cop Can Use to Better Handle Stress?; What Support is Available for Cops? and How Can the Bosses Better Help Their Cops?

SUICIDE BY COP: Vivian Lord explores one of law enforcement's worst scenarios, an armed subject who wants to be killed. She provides tactics that have successfully resolved suicide-by-cop (SbC) situations, relying on leading experts on the subject. The author discusses the psychological devastation many officers suffer after SbC confrontations and legal defenses that can be used after such incidents.