Alice Springs Police in mourning after suicide of 26-year-old Aboriginal community officer

Territory police are mourning the loss of yet another member after a young officer took his own life.

TERRITORY police have been devastated by yet another police suicide this week after a young officer took his own life.

The NT News understands a 26-year-old Aboriginal Community Police Officer from the Alice Springs region passed away following a suicide this weekend.

The NT News has chosen not to name the man for cultural reasons.

Assistant Commissioner Bruce Porter confirmed his loss to the NT Police family.

“Our thoughts are with his loved ones, friends and colleagues at this very sad time, and we continue to offer our unwavering support to them during this very difficult and traumatic period of their lives,” Mr Porter said.

“Our officer will always be in our hearts and always missed.”

Mr Porter said he would not comment on the particulars of the latest tragedy.

The 26-year-old’s passing marks the fourth suicide within the NT Police community this year.

In April, 44-year-old Michael ‘Micky D’ Deutrom took his own life.

Days before his police memorial, his colleagues were told of the suicide of retired Senior Sergeant Garry Smith in May.

During his memorial speech for Mr Deutrom, Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker pledged to reform mental health services for his officers.

His comments were soon met with fury from current and former officers, who said critical recommendations were not being implemented as quickly as they should.

On Tuesday, the newly appointed Police Minister Kate Worden said her focus would be on the wellbeing of those on the Territory’s front line.

“I communicated that just last week to the whole of the membership and that is my number one focus because we need to make absolute sure we get this stuff right,” Ms Worden said.

“I will urge anybody whether they are in the police force, or any person across the Territory, if you are feeling that low to take such drastic action then please reach out.

“There are a lot of great organisations out there, there are people that want to support you.

“I urge you because life is so precious and I am obviously extremely gutted for the families and our hearts go out to them.”

In May, deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison confirmed an independent review into the NTPFES Support and Wellbeing service had been completed, with work underway to implement the recommendations.

In May, NT WorkSafe confirmed 90 per cent of mental health claims from the emergency services were from police, with 27 compensation claims.

Originally published as Alice Springs Police in mourning after suicide of 26-year-old Aboriginal community officer