Mental health crisis in emergency services after several police suicides

POLICE battling mental illness have flooded Worksafe with almost 1000 insurance claims in five years, revealing the extent of the crisis gripping the force.

HOLD SATURDAY PAPER. New Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton. Picture: David Caird.

TWO Victoria Police officers have taken their own lives this week, bringing the 2016 total to three as the extent of the mental health crisis gripping the force becomes clear.

Police officers have flooded Worksafe with almost 1000 insurance claims in five years, the Herald Sun can reveal.

An officer in the southern metro area took his life on Wednesday night, just two days after another member killed himself in regional Victoria. It is understood a Protective Services Officer killed himself earlier this year.

None of the three were on duty at the time.

Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton admitted yesterday that the high police suicide rate was deeply troubling.

He told the ABC that the crisis had been “worsening”.

“I’m seeing a lot more police suicides than I ever used to,” he said. “Two police this week have taken their own lives. It is a tough job that frontline police do.”

Documents uncovered by the Herald Sun under Freedom of Information show the true extent of the crisis, with 218 claims for mental health injury made last financial year.

The number of claims in the past five years totalled 924, including 316 for post-traumatic stress disorder.

A female officer used a service-issued weapon to take her life at a Seaford police centre in October. Her death came as Victoria Police launched a review of mental health issues in the force, due to report back at the end of next month.

The review will include submissions from former officers who left the force suffering mental health issues.

“I am determined to ensure Victoria Police’s mental health support services are as effective as possible in safeguarding the wellbeing of our members,” Mr Ashton said.

Victoria Police spokeswoman, Acting Sgt Melissa Seach, said suicide had “long been a problem” for the service.

“We know that anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress can all be triggered by the stressful situations our people can find themselves in,” she said.

“Victoria Police understands that with improvements in recognising and addressing mental health issues, the incidence of suicide can be reduced and we are committed to doing this.”

Police Minister Wade Noonan this week said he was taking three months’ leave to deal with “unspeakable crimes” he had been exposed to.

Police Association secretary Ron Iddles said the deaths this year were men of different ages and backgrounds. He said the biggest hurdle for members was the fear of implications of admitting they weren’t coping.

But he had a simple request of Victoria Police members.

“If you’re struggling, come see us, put your hand up and seek assistance,” he said.

“Never be ashamed to say ‘I’m struggling’.”

Any police officers needing support can call the Police Association on 9468 2600 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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