Missing police officer Mick Isle’s son pushes for memorial recognition

THE SON of missing, presumed dead Ayr police officer Michael Isles, hopes legal action over inclusion of his father’s name on police memorials will break down the stigma around mental illness in the service.

In 2012, a coroner ruled that Mick Isles, a police officer of 36 years had likely died by suicide.

THE SON of missing, presumed dead Ayr police officer Michael Isles, hopes legal action over inclusion of his father’s name on police memorials will break down the stigma around mental illness in the service.

Steven Isles last month lodged an application in the Federal Court against the Queensland Police Service, in a bid to have his father and other officers who have taken their lives while on duty recognised on the police memorial and honour roll.

Steven Isles said he had taken the matter to the court because his family are still looking for closure following his father’s presumed death nine years ago.

The application argues policies stopping officers who have died of suicide being recognised on the National Police Memorial and Honour Role are discriminatory.

Mr Isles said he had taken the matter to the court because his family are still looking for closure following his father’s presumed death nine years ago.

“This is not a claim for compensation but to recognise that my father vanished and has never been found, that he was on shift, in uniform, and the very least my mother and family can have is my father be recognised,” he said.

“All we are asking for is when the new memorial is constructed at Mt Cotton that my father is etched in stone so my mother has somewhere to recognise her husband’s life.”

Michael Isles failed to arrive in Townsville for training in 2009.

In 2012, a coroner ruled the police officer of 36 years had likely died by suicide.

Mr Isles claims medical records show his father sustained a psychological injury through his employment and was suffering from post traumatic stress disorder in the lead-up to his disappearance.

Steve Isles hopes the memorial recognition would give his mother Fiona Isles, pictured, somewhere to recognise her husband’s life. Picture: Wesley Monts

He argues his probable suicide fits the memorial definition of “died as a result of his duties” because work stressors lead to Michael Isles death.

Mr Isles said he hoped the legal action would lead to greater awareness of mental illness and suicide in the QPS.

“In essence, this is an argument about the destigmatisation of mental health in police policy,” he said.

The Federal Circuit Court in Brisbane will hear the matter on July 2.