DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS
2000
NAVY PENTAGON
W
ASHINGTON DC 20350-2000
OPNAVINST 1720.4B
N17
18 Sep 2018
OPNAV INSTRUCTION 1720.4B
From: Chief of Naval Operations
Subj: SUICIDE PREVENTION PROGRAM
Ref: (a) DoD Instruction 6490.16 of 6 November 2017
(b) DoD Instruction 6490.08 of 17 August 2011
(c) OPNAVINST F3100.6J (NOTAL)
(d) DoD Instruction 6490.04 of 4 March 2013
(e) Navy Suicide Prevention Handbook, January 2018
Encl: (1) Suicide Risk Factors, Warning Signs, Protective Factors and Resources
(2) Definitions and Terms
(3) DoDSER Procedures and Suicide Event Review Board Process
(4) Sample Command Suicide Prevention Program Checklist
(5) Crisis Response Plan Guidance
(6) Guidance for Assisting a Distressed Caller
1. Purpose. To provide policy and procedures and assign responsibilities for the Navy Suicide
Prevention Program in line with references (a) through (d). This instruction is a complete
revision and should be reviewed in its entirety. Significant changes are summarized in the
following subparagraphs 1a through 1g.
a. Sailor Assistance and Intercept for Life (SAIL) Program requirements.
b. Updated guidance on the Department of Defense Suicide Event Report (DoDSER).
c. The requirement for suicide prevention program managers (SPPM) at echelon 2 and 3
commands.
d. Updated suicide prevention coordinator (SPC) roles and responsibilities.
e. Updated suicide prevention training requirements to include awareness of firearm safety.
f. The requirement to collect and assess information on dependent suicides.
g. Guidance on reducing access to lethal means.
2. Cancellation. OPNAVINST 1720.4A.
