Acting Police Commissioner Linda Williams tells ABC cops face new challenges in social media age

SA’s Acting Police Commissioner says Monday’s tragedy highlights the strength of the state’s “blue family”.

SA’s top cop says the death of an officer at Port Adelaide police station on Monday reveals the strength of the state’s “blue family” – but also sparks a conversation about the pressures police face.

Acting Police Commissioner Linda Williams’ comments come after a respected detective brevet sergeant was found dead at the Port Adelaide station on Monday.

Ms Williams told ABC Breakfast radio the death – which is subject to a coronial and internal commissioner’s inquiry – had saddened the force and that support would be ongoing for their officer’s family and police colleagues.

She said the SA Police placed a heavy focus on the mental health of its members and offered psychological support.

“We have a multifaceted approach that looks at general health from day one in terms of prevention, physical health and wellbeing,” she said.

Acting Police Commissioner Linda Williams. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Kelly Barnes

She said the force had about 100 health and wellbeing officers throughout the state.

“We have 24 hour assistance through our psychological services,” she said.

“We provide external and internal counselling through our employee assistance program and the health and wellbeing extends to things like fitness programs … it’s not just about mental health, physical health is very much an important part of maintaining your overall health and social wellbeing.

Commissioner Williams said, broadly speaking, challenges officers faced had evolved in recent years.

“I think there are different aspects of the community that make (policing) a little bit more confronting,” she said.

“I think things like for example, you know, you go back 20-30 years ago, the prevalence of social media wasn’t there.

Flowers left at Port Adelaide police station after the death of a police officer on Monday. Picture: Tara Miko

“But now everything that a police officer does is generally seen or captured by someone’s mobile phone, it’s been dissected moment by moment later on by people who are sitting back probably not facing the situation in the same realistic way that a police officer is.”

“Police accept that they are held to a higher standard because they’re given very unique authorities within the state … I think there are aspects where it’s probably changing.” However, she paid tribute to the strength of the force in the face of recent crisis.

“I have to say through it all, especially in like 2023 with what we face as a force, and what we’ve faced in recent times, is that the strength of our people is actually overwhelmingly really strong,” she said.

“They do lean in, really helping to support each other, there is a real family connection in policing … it’s really evident in a crisis.”