An off-duty New York Police Department (NYPD) officer, Gregory J. Purvis, was found dead from an apparent suicide on Tuesday afternoon, August 20, 2024, in an apartment in Upper Manhattan, New York City, according to police sources.
Officer Purvis, 30, had served with the NYPD’s 30th Precinct in Hamilton Heights since January 2020. His body was discovered after he failed to contact his partner for several hours.
On the day of his death, Purvis parked his car near an apartment building on West 186th Street in the Fort George neighborhood of Upper Manhattan. After entering the building, he was not heard from again. Concerned for his well-being, Purvis’ partner visited the apartment and, peering through a window, saw the officer lying on the floor. NYPD officers forced entry into the apartment and found Purvis with a gunshot wound to the head. A firearm was recovered at the scene, confirming that the wound was self-inflicted.
While the exact reasons for Officer Purvis’ death remain unclear, those who knew him described him as a dedicated officer who cared deeply about his work but carried heavy emotional burdens. Some colleagues noted that Purvis had been facing personal struggles and increased stress at work in the weeks leading up to his death. His friends reported that he had become more withdrawn, though none expected this outcome.
Purvis’ death is a somber reminder of the mental health challenges faced by law enforcement officers. The job often requires officers to respond to violent, traumatic incidents daily, leading to emotional and psychological strain that can accumulate over time. Many officers, like Purvis, struggle to cope with the stress and trauma associated with their work.
In recent years, officer suicides have continued to be a pressing issue. On average, approximately 184 law enforcement and corrections officers die by suicide each year in the United States, with the highest number recorded in 2019 at 234. Suicide has become a significant concern for police departments, surpassing many other line-of-duty dangers, emphasizing the critical need for mental health support within the profession.
The NYPD has taken steps to address the mental health challenges facing its officers, offering peer support programs, counseling services, and crisis intervention training. The department provides 24/7 access to mental health professionals through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Despite these efforts, many officers remain reluctant to seek help, fearing the stigma that mental health struggles may bring to their careers.
The Bronx chapter of the National Latino Peace Officers Association expressed their condolences in a Facebook post following Purvis’ death, urging officers to seek help and reminding the community of the seriousness of mental health struggles. “If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out—there is always help available,” the post read.
Michael A. Montes, the emergency management director from Mount Vernon, New York, also shared his thoughts on LinkedIn, urging others to seek help if they are struggling. “Rest in peace, Officer Purvis. Your service will never be forgotten.”
His family will announce Purvis’ funeral arrangements in the coming days as they mourn the loss of a beloved family member and colleague.