Police Minister Dan Cregan says government has an obligation to ensure police are appropriately supported in their work

Police Minister Dan Cregan says the government has an obligation to ensure police are appropriately supported, after a veteran detective shared her harrowing story.

Police Minister Dan Cregan says the government has an obligation to ensure police are appropriately supported, after a veteran detective claimed a toxic working culture and “horrendous” mental health system almost drove her to suicide.

Detective Brevet Sergeant Jennifer Favorito this week revealed how SAPOL rejected claims her mental health was hit by the death of a close colleague at Port Adelaide Police Station in January.

SAPOL Mounted Operations Unit moving into their new home at Gepps cross. Minister for Police Dan Cregan Picture : RoyVPhotography.

The detective, who has worked for the state’s police force for 20 years, is now obliged to pay back all psychiatric and medical costs, including all wages, to SAPOL.

Under questioning from opposition spokesman Jack Batty, Mr Cregan did not comment on the specifics of Ms Favorito’s case but acknowledged news of any suicide or suicidal ideation was “deeply distressing”.

“All of us here, our heart goes out to any officer, including the officer that has been named, who is suffering in any way because of the trauma that they’ve experienced,” he told parliament.

“Police and other first responders deal with confronting and indeed highly traumatic incidents every single day, and we have an obligation to ensure that this service is appropriately recognised and supported.”

Mr Cregan said a parliamentary inquiry into mental health services for police was ongoing, and the government would consider any resulting recommendations.

He added that SA Police already provided support measures, including 24/7 access to psychosocial supports.

A health and wellbeing officer network established within SA Police currently has 112 trained health and wellbeing officers based across the state.

Mr Cregan said there is also an Employee Assistance Section that provides psychological, medical and social work support services.

“South Australia Police provides support in a number of ways to its employees in recognition of the uniquely complex and challenging work environment,” he said.

Ms Favorito claimed there’s an ingrained culture within the force that to seek help for mental health is a blocker to any career progression and was a “black mark” on your record.

“There is this toxic work culture,” she said.

“You can’t trust anyone. You can’t talk to anyone. You have to show no weakness.”

Sergeant Favorito has now sought legal advice, with a lawyer subsidised by PASA, and is fighting the claim rejection.

An SA Police spokesperson said: “SA Police recognises health and wellbeing as critical element of having a high functioning and resilient workforce able to provide policing services to the community.

“Employees have access to psychosocial support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition, SAPOL provides employees with access to numerous health and wellbeing programs and services.”