CITY OF CHICAGO REACHS 7 POLICE SUICIDES IN 2022

Police Officer Elena Bilyarska was one of three officers from the Chicago Police Department who took their own lives over the past 10 days. Elena was a five year veteran of the Chicago Police Department and had been assigned as a tactical officer in the 1st District.

There have been at least 7 police suicides in the City of Chicago in 2022 and 23 since 2018. A Department of Justice study found that Chicago had 60% more officer suicides than the average law enforcement agency.

This job can break us down and take us to dark places. The calls we respond to. The things we see. Cancelling days off. Forced overtime on the front and back end of your shift because of staffing shortages. It all takes an immense toll on our mental health. If you are feeling like there is no other option, please reach out to someone. I promise you that the world is a better place with you in it.