DARLINGTON, SC (WBTW) – The Darlington Police Department, led by efforts of Chief Danny Watson, is putting together a panel of community members to address the drastic increase of suicide related calls the department received in 2015.
According to a Facebook post by Chief Watson, his department received one call regarding a suicide attempt or threat of suicide in 2014. In 2015, that number jumped to 17.
“This is a staggering number, and such a huge increase demands we should put something out about it immediately,” explains Chief Watson.
The police chief admits in his post that it’s still unclear why the number of suicide related calls increased so radically, but that it’s obvious the department must take action.
“As part of my job I constantly look at the numbers. This is a good indication of where we have been and where we are going in the future, if you have enough data,” writes Chief Watson. “Sometimes during these number crunching sessions I will find something that is so greatly disturbing that I just simply have to send something out on it so that people know what is going on and how they can be part of the solution to the issue.”
Chief Watson has begun putting together a panel of community members who may be able to help the department address the matter of suicide and offer help to those who may be affected by the issue.
“Currently we have contacted Mental Health, Darlington County School District as well as various church groups to get a list of resources for individuals and their families so that they know that they are not in this alone,” reveals Chief Watson.
Once the panel has been assembled, the members will adopt a plan of action to make resources available to those plagued with suicidal thoughts as well as family members of those affected. The panel will also create a plan that puts community outreach programs in touch with victims and their families.
“We do not have all of the answers to every problem that occurs, nor do we have all the answers for this particular issue, but we are going to do all that we can to help, if we can,” promises Chief Watson.
The police chief says he will keep the community aware of the progress with the panel assembly and resources available to those in need.
