Why are our police officers dying, asks shaken top cop
VICTORIA’S top cop is “deeply saddened” by the suicide deaths of three present and former police officers, one from Geelong, in just four days.
Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton told News Corp the force had been rocked by their sudden deaths.
He said it was “undeniable” that police faced tough and tragic circumstances each day and that there was no shame in asking for help.
“We need to encourage people to come forward and seek support. If you need help, or just need someone to talk to, please speak up,” he said.
Two senior constables — one from Corio — and a retired detective sergeant took their own lives this week. Their deaths take Victoria Police’s annual suicide toll to five.
Nearly 40 per cent of emergency services workers have a diagnosed mental health condition, and Mr Ashton vowed to tackle the mental health problems plaguing the force.
“As a community, it’s important that we continue to provide support to our police, past and present, as well as all emergency service workers,” Mr Ashton said.
Police Association Victoria secretary Wayne Gatt said it was vitally important the force continued its focus on mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
He described mental health injury as “the most pressing issues facing police”.
“That is why there has been so much focus in Victoria Police on reducing stigma, encouraging early intervention, diagnosis and treatment of mental health injury to assist police and PSOs manage what is one of the most challenging careers possible,” he said.
Mr Gatt said work needed to be done to improve the WorkCover claims process for police who were physically or mentally injured on the job.
A service called Blue Hub is also being piloted to better assess, treat and manage mental health conditions for police.