NT Coroner to open inquest into NT Police Michael ‘Micky D’ Deutrom’s suicide on Monday
The Territory’s coroner will open her investigation into the suicide of one of the Territory’s ‘greatest guardian angels’ this week, in what is expected to be a ‘painful’ and ‘emotional’ inquest.
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The emotional devastation from a life on the Territory’s front lines can be represented by a four digit police call sign: 2061.
For decades, this was the number that his friends, colleagues, mentees and brother knew represented NT Police senior constable first class Michael ‘Micky D’ Deutrom.
On Monday NT coroner Elisabeth Armitage is expected to open her five-day inquest Mr Deutrom’s death, three years after his suicide in April 2022.
The 44-year-old took his own life while staying in Adelaide, one of four NT Police suicides in just over three months that year.
The loss of a man, described as one of the Territory’s “greatest guardian angels”, sparked grief and anger at the time over an apparent delay in implementing an independent support and wellbeing service review for the NT’s emergency services.
Mr Deutrom’s death was the second police suicide that year and his death was soon followed by the suicide of mental health advocate and retired Senior Sergeant Garry Smith in May, followed by a 26-year-old Aboriginal community Police Officer taking his own life a month later.
At the time of the young man’s suicide there was no dedicated welfare officer for the Alice Springs station.
On Sunday, NT Police Association president Nathan Finn said the inquest was an important step toward understanding his death, and how the policing system could better respond to the pressures that officers face.
“Policing in the Northern Territory can be isolating, relentless, and often takes a heavy emotional toll,” Mr Finn said.
“This is a time for listening, for learning, and most importantly, for change.”
He acknowledged the coming week would likely be an incredibly emotional time for many across the force.
“Micky D was one of the most admired and loved officers in our ranks,” Mr Finn said.
“He was kind, dedicated, and always there for those around him.
“This week will be extremely painful for those who served alongside him and who still carry the weight of his loss.
“We must ensure the wellbeing of our members is always front and centre.
“We owe that to Micky D – and to every officer who puts on the uniform.”
The 2024 independent Vince Kelly Police Review specifically highlighted the four suicides as one of the major “deeply traumatic organisational events that has shaped and driven” the NT Police Force.
Mr Kelly’s said less than half of Territory cops said they were satisfied with health and wellbeing policies and practices, while 55 per cent of police were burnt out.
The Kelly review recommended the department ensure its Wellbeing Strategy 2023-2027 implementation framework was in place, including an ongoing evaluation process.
The latest NT budget continued the $3m per year funding arrangement for the Wellbeing Strategy, which the Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services annual report said had allowed for psychological resilience training and Mental Health First Aid programs and the new Early Intervention Project which uses data to flag employees who exceed a risk threshold.
PFES said the funding also provided 12-month post separation welfare check for retiring or resigning officers and maintained their access to psychological service, as well as monthly WellChecks visits to stations in the Greater Darwin region.
“All other stations currently receive an annual visit, however more regular visits to remote stations are planned,” it said.
Ahead of what is expected to be a painful week for many, Mr Finn urged all members impacted by the coronial to prioritise their mental health and reach out for support.
“There is no shame in asking for help – whether from a trusted colleague, a loved one, or a professional,” he said.
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Originally published as NT Coroner to open inquest into NT Police Michael ‘Micky D’ Deutrom’s suicide on Monday
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