Recognition of suicide by LE: Which statement expresses a wish to die?

• A. Says "kill me" or "shoot me" or otherwise expresses a wish to die
• B. Appears depressed or in a mental health crisis
• C. Is behaving aggressively toward the police for no apparent reason
• D. Is exhibiting strange behavior, such as vandalism or ramming a police car

Answer: (A)

Direct verbal expressions of wanting to die signal suicidal intent. When someone explicitly says “kill me” or “shoot me,” it shows a clear desire to die and indicates imminent risk, so this statement is the strongest indicator and the best choice.

Appearance of depression or being in a mental health crisis matters a lot as a risk factor and context for danger, but it does not itself state a wish to die. Likewise, aggressive behavior toward police or unusual acts like vandalism or ramming a police car reflect distress or agitation, yet they do not convey an explicit intent to die. In real-world responses, any expression of wanting to die should trigger urgent safety assessment and appropriate mental health intervention, but the statement that directly communicates a wish to die is the one that best captures suicidal intent.