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Police Views of Suicidal Persons and the Law Criminalizing Attempted Suicide in Ghana: A Qualitative Study With Policy Implications

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  • Joseph Osafo
  • Charity S. Akotia
  • Emmanuel N.-B. Quarshie
  • Kofi E. Boakye
  • Johnny Andoh-Arthur

Abstract

The penal code of Ghana condemns suicide attempt. The present study sought to explore the views of the police on persons who attempt suicide and the law criminalizing the act. Qualitative in-depth interviews were used to explore the views of 18 officers of the Ghana Police Service. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis technique. Findings showed that the police officers profiled suicide attempters as needy , enigmatic , ignorant , and blameworthy . Majority ( n = 14) of them disagreed with the law and suggested a repeal, whereas only four of them agreed with the law. Regardless of their positions on criminalization, they showed an inclination to help , rather than arrest , when confronted with such persons in line of their duty. Educating the police on suicidal behavior may help to deepen their understanding and help improve the way they handle suicidal persons. This may also strengthen police suicide prevention gatekeeping obligations.

Suggested Citation

  • Joseph Osafo & Charity S. Akotia & Emmanuel N.-B. Quarshie & Kofi E. Boakye & Johnny Andoh-Arthur, 2017. "Police Views of Suicidal Persons and the Law Criminalizing Attempted Suicide in Ghana: A Qualitative Study With Policy Implications," SAGE Open, , vol. 7(3), pages 21582440177, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:sagope:v:7:y:2017:i:3:p:2158244017731803
    DOI: 10.1177/2158244017731803
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    2. Tsikata, Dzodhi., 2009. "Domestic work and domestic workers in Ghana : an overview of the legal regime and practice," ILO Working Papers 994528843402676, International Labour Organization.
    3. Scourfield, Jonathan & Fincham, Ben & Langer, Susanne & Shiner, Michael, 2012. "Sociological autopsy: An integrated approach to the study of suicide in men," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 74(4), pages 466-473.
    4. Adinkrah, Mensah, 2012. "Better dead than dishonored: Masculinity and male suicidal behavior in contemporary Ghana," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 74(4), pages 474-481.
    5. Konradsen, Flemming & Hoek, Wim van der & Peiris, Pushpalatha, 2006. "Reaching for the bottle of pesticide--A cry for help. Self-inflicted poisonings in Sri Lanka," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 62(7), pages 1710-1719, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Anne Krayer & Seema Kulhari & Vimal Sharma & Catherine Robinson, 2023. "Pathways to Suicide among Police in Rajasthan: Perceptions and Experiences of Police Personnel," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-12, January.

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