The model posits two factors associated with the police role may increase the potential for suicide: (1) the use of dichotomized thinking when dealing with stressful situations or problem resolution; and (2) the diminished use of multiple roles to deal with strained social relationships. The model proposes acquisition and maintenance of the police role restrict cognitive flexibility and the use of other life roles by police officers, thus impairing their ability to deal with psychological stress. As a result, the potential for suicide among police officers may increase. The impact of the police role, however, may be but one of many circumstances that increase the potential for suicide. Regardless of how police suicide rates compare with other populations, the fact remains that suicides occur in police work and police suicide prevention should be an important goal of police departments. 99 references and 1 figure