SAPOL Chief Inspector Cameron Devey defends 'humiliating' welfare check on Sergeant Russell Nash, who later took own life
A former police chief has defended his actions leading up to the suicide of an officer on Christmas Eve, saying he had “genuine concerns”.
A former SAPOL Chief Inspector whose actions have been under the spotlight of a coronial inquest into the death of a “dedicated” sergeant and band member has taken the stand and defended his “genuine concerns”.
On Wednesday Cameron Devey – who now holds the rank of Deputy Chief Officer with the Metropolitan Fire Service – gave evidence into the inquest into the death of long-serving Sergeant Russell Peter Nash, who took his own life on Christmas Eve 2021.
State Coroner David Whittle
Mr Devey said during his tenure as head of the State and Community Engagement Section, which oversaw the Police Band, he was “genuinely” concerned for the welfare of Sgt Nash.
Mr Devey denied receiving push back from Sgt Nash’s supervisor who said it was “highly inappropriate” to send a patrol to his home to conduct a welfare check in 2020.
The inquest heard attempts to contact Sgt Nash around 11pm one night failed after he contributed to an email chain regarding a separate co-worker’s sick leave.
The court heard Mr Devey told patrol supervisors to conduct the check with the utmost “sensitivity” as a check on a police officer’s safety must be balanced against any risks to “reputation, perceived embarrassment or conflict”.
During the inquest opening, the court heard Sgt Nash felt “humiliated” by the welfare check.
The court previously heard Sgt Nash, 43, had difficulties with Mr Devey after he was redeployed as Band Master in February 2019 during a WorkCover-led Return to Work scheme.
It was alleged Sgt Nash – who struggled with alcoholism to cope with his PTSD and other illnesses – found Mr Devey used an “excessive and unwarranted display of power” during their interactions including a desire to have him breath-tested before shifts.
On Wednesday, the court heard Mr Devey denied making comments during a band-wide meeting that included “(members) were not to express themselves in any way unless they had positive things to say” and “if anyone doesn’t like the direction of the train, I will arrange to have them dropped off”.
Mr Devey will return to court to give more evidence as the inquest continues.
