Eight Cleveland police officers have committed suicide since 1999, four since Lohn became chief in February 2002.

The Fraternal Order of Police estimates the national police suicide rate at 22 per 100,000 - twice the rate for other American adults. The National P.O.L.I.C.E. Suicide Foundation estimates almost 500 officers killed themselves nationwide in 2003.

Dan Goldfarb, a psychologist who works with police in Suffolk County, N.Y., attributes the rate to the stress of modern policing.

"You always hear about the cop who shot someone, but how many times does the cop pull someone over, get called every name in the book and not use excessive force?" Goldfarb said. "For the most part, cops have to stuff it. It's very, very difficult and very, very stressful."

Experts say most officers who commit suicide often use a gun to kill themselves; suffer from depression; have stress in their family or work life; and are drunk at the time of death.

Michael Howard spent eight years as a Cleveland police officer, staring down danger while patrolling the 5th District, including some of the city's most crime-ridden neighborhoods. He once was awarded a special commendation for his work.

The 30-year-old married father shot and killed himself at his home in December 2002.

Howard's wife, Robin, said she has received support from the police department since his death. Officers, such as Lt. James Muhic, continue to check on her family.

"I knew the kid when he was in diapers," Muhic said. "You do what you can."

Access to counseling for an officer and an officer's family is crucial, Goldfarb said.

Cleveland is one of few departments that offer voluntary stress counseling services. Safety personnel can see a psychologist at department headquarters or talk with counselors recommended through the department's Employee Assistance Unit.

But police counseling remains tricky. Many officers shun therapy because they are accustomed to being in control and not showing emotion on the job. Others fear professional repercussions.

Ann Reilly, a retired Cleveland police lieutenant who worked with the Employee Assistance Unit, said she sometimes met with troubled officers at secret locations to ensure confidentiality. Other times she talked with officers by phone.

"I had people tap me on the shoulder as we rode the elevator (at police headquarters) and say, 'Thanks,' " Reilly said. "I had no idea who they were."

Many who study police suicides and work with troubled officers say the high suicide rate could fall in upcoming years as departments enhance assistance programs and younger officers, with more progressive views, rise in rank.

"Suicide remains a major issue, but it's an issue that can be resolved," said Robert E. Douglas Jr., executive director of the Suicide Foundation. "I believe we are going to start turning that corner soon."