Top cop to take action after three police deaths in four days
Victoria Police has been rocked by a series of deaths, with three officers ending their lives in four days. Now Victoria’s top cop has vowed to tackle the tragedy plaguing the force.
Law & Order
Don't miss out on the headlines from Law & Order. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Victoria’s top cop said he is “deeply saddened” by the suicide deaths of three present and former police officers in just four days.
Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton told the Herald Sun the force had been rocked by their sudden deaths.
He said it was “undeniable” that police face tough and tragic circumstances each day and that there was no shame in asking for help.
“We need to encourage people to come forward and seek support. If you need help, or just need someone to talk to, please speak up,” he said.
Two senior constables and a retired detective sergeant took their own lives this week.
Their deaths take Victoria Police’s annual suicide toll to five.
One of the deaths was of a public servant working for police.
Former police members are not included in the yearly total of deaths.
Nearly 40 per cent of emergency services workers have a diagnosed mental health condition.
Mr Ashton vowed to tackle the mental health problems plaguing the force.
“As a community, it’s important that we continue to provide support to our police, past and present, as well as all emergency service workers,” said Mr Ashton.
Police Association Victoria secretary Wayne Gatt said it was vitally important the force continue its focus on mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
He described mental health injury as “the most pressing issues facing police”.
“That is why there has been so much focus in Victoria Police on reducing stigma, encouraging early intervention, diagnosis and treatment of mental health injury to assist police and PSOs manage what is one of the most challenging careers possible,” he said.
Mr Gatt said work needed to be done to improve the WorkCover claims process for police who are physically or mentally injured on the job.
“Despite recent improvements to the WorkCover claims process, which enables more immediate and specific treatment for police and emergency service workers suffering mental health injury, more needs to be done to refine the WorkCover system so that it becomes less adversarial and stressful for those using it,” he said.
Police Minister Lisa Neville said it was “absolutely critical police receive appropriate support to manage the pressures of the job and its hidden impacts”.
RELATED
FORMER DETECTIVE’S TRAGIC DEATH
The state government will pilot a 12-month provisional payments scheme for police and emergency service workers in need of treatment.
The union is also piloting a service called ‘Blue Hub” to better assess, treat and manage mental health conditions for police.
Two male senior constables took their own lives at homes in Dandenong North and Corio on Sunday and Wednesday, respectively.
Former detective sergeant Steve Mansell took his life in Western Australia earlier this week.
If you need support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au.