Forensic data on 97 police suicides or attempted suicides were obtained from three police departments within relatively close geographic proximity for the years 1986-98. Twenty-six police suicides described in the media were also reviewed for thematic content. Further, 92 case files of officers served at the mental health facility where the author is on staff were also analyzed. In an independent review, data examiners compared category classifications in diagnoses of risk factors. The categories were relationship problems, job difficulty (discipline/suspension), alcohol/substance abuse, psychological problems, financial problems, and "other" (did not fit any other major category). The author's mental health facility, which serves only police officers and detectives, developed a formula for diagnosing and treating clients. Evaluations focused on relationships with job, spouse, and family; social interaction; altered state; desperation; and depression or other mental disorder. The formula and assessment checklist are useful tools for prevention as well as diagnosis and treatment. Police organizations should have a provision for assessment, counseling referrals, weapon removal and restoration, confidential sick leave, and return to duty and the determination of readiness for full duty.