Frontline police officers missing out on annual psychological reviews because they are too busy, opposition says

Frontline police officers are missing out on annual psychological reviews because they are “run off their feet”, the opposition says.

Kathryn Bermingham

@KatBermingham

2 min read

December 1, 2024 - 7:10PM

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Frontline police officers are missing out on annual psychological reviews because they are “run off their feet”, the opposition says.

But SAPOL says only a handful of reviews – which are mandatory for officers working in certain roles – are outstanding.

Police Minister Dan Cregan told parliament “there can be occasions on which officers, I am advised, have not completed their psychological assessment”.

“That does not arise necessarily from the oversight of operational managers, who are encouraging people to engage in the psychological assessment processes that may be necessary, but instead, in the course of employment and taskings, sometimes these matters cannot be completed,” he said last week.

Police Minister Dan Cregan told parliament there were occasions were officers were unable to complete their psychological assessment but it was not due to operational oversight. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

Opposition police spokesman Jack Batty said police officers need crucial mental health and wellbeing support.

“It is unacceptable that we have police officers who are overdue for their annual psychological assessment – especially when experienced cops are leaving the force in droves because of the challenges they are facing,” he said.

“(Mr) Cregan seems to be saying our cops have simply been too busy to have their annual psychological review this year. We can’t have frontline officers missing out on mental health support because this government has them run off their feet.”

A SAPOL spokesman said, as of November 11, there were only seven mandatory annual psychological checks outstanding. Another 15 were booked in as scheduled, and 222 have already been conducted this calendar year.

Opposition police spokesman Jack Batty said it was unacceptable that police officers were overdue for their annual psychological assessment. Picture: Russell Millard

“SAPOL takes the mental health of its employees seriously and has systems and processes in place to manage reporting, assistance and ongoing welfare,” he said.

“There are also multiple avenues to enable employees to reach out for help when needed and at critical times.

“There are occasions in which the circumstances of individual officers result in delays in reviews being conducted on time, such as annual leave, long service leave or when other personal matters arise.

“Such cases are closely managed to ensure the reviews are completed at the earliest opportunity.”

Mr Cregan said supporting the mental health of first responders was a priority.

“SAPOL employees can access round-the-clock help when it’s needed most, with dedicated health and wellbeing programs in place,” he said.

“I am advised the small number of officers yet to complete their annual reviews will have these reviews completed as soon as possible and be provided ongoing support.”