An off-duty NYPD sergeant died Tuesday from a self-inflicted gunshot to the head, the police department confirmed, the tenth currently-employed member of the department to take their own life this year.

Sources told NY1 that the sergeant, who was not yet identified, worked at the 24th Precinct in Manhattan.

The NYPD said the sergeant died in the Utopia section of Queens. Police have not confirmed any further details at this time.

In response to other police officers taking their own lives in 2019, the city and the department have urged officers to seek help.



The city's Department of Investigation (DOI) released a report in September finding that officers on patrol and those who have retired need more services and safeguards. There are concerns that those dealing with job and emotional stress, deaths in their families, or substance abuse may not be getting the help they need.

The DOI made 12 recommendations to the NYPD. Among them: officers need training on mental health beyond what they receive when they first enter the police academy.

The DOI also suggested increased staffing of NYPD health and wellness experts, outside professionals should audit the NYPD's training on the issue, and the department should better identify when an officer is in crisis.

The police department said it accepted all of the recommendations and had already started to implement some of them.

The DOI said it found retiring police officers need support with facing the fact they will no longer wear an NYPD uniform. At least two retired officers have also taken their lives this year.