Turkish police suicides rise amid mental health concerns

A series of suicides among Turkish police officers and retirees has raised concerns regarding the mental health and working conditions of law enforcement personnel. Between September 17 and September 25, 2026, seven members of the security forces reportedly took their own lives in various locations, including Balıkesir, Konya, Cizre, Karamürsel, Ankara, and Tekirdağ.

Data indicates a significant trend in these incidents. In 2025, a total of 93 security personnel died by suicide, averaging one every 3.92 days. In 2026, so far, 69 deaths have been recorded, with an average frequency of one suicide every 3.9 days. Of the 2026 total, 59 were active-duty officers and 10 were retirees.

Reports highlight that retired officers have faced severe economic difficulties, which has been cited as a contributing factor to recent tragedies. While the General Directorate of Security (EGM) has noted that investigations are ongoing, the ministry has not provided a comprehensive public explanation regarding the causes of these deaths since 2021.