Iowa Officers Back Peer Support in Suicide Prevention
University of Iowa research finds officers view peer support and wellness check-ins favorably while citing confidentiality as a key barrier to seeking help.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Law Enforcement
Research by University of Iowa policy fellow Victor Soupene surveyed current, former, and retired Iowa law enforcement officers on which suicide prevention policies work and where gaps exist. Peer support programs and routine wellness check-ins were generally viewed favorably.
Why it matters
Officers may avoid seeking help out of fear of being fired or seen as less able to do their jobs, and most Iowa state suicide prevention resources are not integrated within departments. Soupene hopes the findings will help policymakers and agency leaders understand which programs officers are more likely to engage with.
Research by a University of Iowa policy fellow has been published, with findings intended for policymakers and agency leaders. Its policy recommendations have not yet been adopted, and the source does not describe any pending action.
The players
Victor Soupene
University of Iowa policy fellow who conducted the research on officer suicide prevention policy gaps.
Pete Roth
Windsor Heights police chief who said Iowa law enforcement has taken large strides to promote wellness and suicide prevention over the last 10 years.
University of Iowa
Public research university where the policy fellowship and study were conducted through the College of Public Health.
The details
Soupene's research began with his dissertation examining how occupational factors such as job-related stress and access to firearms contribute to suicide risk. He applied for the UI's Policy Fellow Program through the College of Public Health and Institute for Public Health Practice, Research and Policy.
Timeline
Research published November 2, 2026.
Average officer suicide rate measured annually from 2016 to 2022.
Iowa law enforcement has made large strides on wellness over the last 10 years.
Legal Context
The study builds on Soupene's earlier dissertation on occupational risk factors, including job stress and firearm access. It addresses a problem in which officers may avoid help-seeking for fear of job consequences.
Iowa residents may see changes in how local departments structure wellness and mental health programs for officers. Confidentiality concerns identified by officers could shape whether departments adopt new peer support or check-in policies.
The takeaway
Officers are more likely to engage with peer support and routine check-ins when confidentiality is protected. Departments that address that concern may find officers more willing to seek help before a crisis.
Further reading
For more on how officers are supported in crisis, see Law Enforcement coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Iowan.
