Dear O Sung Wu,

I had not idea that this was such a serious problem
amongst police officers until I watched the current
affairs program - "Sunday Night," at 6.30 pm on
November 23rd 2014. It was devastating. I listened
to wives talking about what their husbands went through
in the "line of duty." I realised how little we know
of what the situations that police officers are faced
with at times - and what is required of them. Very few
escape unscathed. I only know a little from a relative
who (now retired) served in the LAPD - (Los Angeles
Police Department) and he was a very strong man - but
his hair went white after one year in service.

People who complain about our police - have no idea
what these officers have to deal with - and where would
we be without them. Of course mistakes are made - but
I for one - am grateful to the officers - and their
families. The program was a real eye-opener.

runner,

Good point. It is likely to lead to copy cats, especially among surviving family and other officers, rather than an approach to the GP and counselling. Reason enough not to do it.

It also extends the publicity, which again has a negative effect on family.

Finally, died rendering service means just that. If there ever was cause to recognise other deaths/service the whole purpose is changed.

Jay of Melb>>I have precisely zero sympathy for people who join the Police in the first place much less the ones who stay in for long enough to develop mental problems.<<

Yes Jay you have no time for them until you need them, what an obvious “rebel want to be” statement. I know many people that could and would change your mind and have you banging on the cops door like a frantic victim as opposed to a "rebel" who has no need or sympathy for our cops.

I have no illusions regarding cops, every police force in Europe (except the Danes) rounded up and herded the Jews off to their deaths for the Nazis during WWII. Cops are paid mercenaries.....in the days before the Royal Commissions the cops had the crims working for them as mercenaries.....then we had something to whinge about.

Were you aware that the bastard insurance companies are holding up payments to many cops injured in the line of duty, and the government have not addressed it, nor have their associations. If there is any one link to cop suicides it is the shabby dishonest treatment of the injured cops by the insurance companies.

Runner>> while I hold many police in very high regards, making heroes of people who do themselves is sending the totally wrong message. Many movie/rock stars do themselves in and hence many young many vulnerable people follow their 'heroes'.<<

Gosh runner I can see the similarities between cops and showbiz types.

OTB>> Good point. It is likely to lead to copy cats,<<

I expect there are two main drivers for suicide; one is to make a statement because of a sense of hopelessness. The other is to end the pain.........neither inspire one who does not have these issues to the act of self harm.

There's a message on facebook that says it well -

"Police Officers die. It is the job that takes
their lives.

One wall for all!"

http://www.facebook.com/supportaussiecops.444

Simplistic. Could impede helping others. Might suit lawyers and the union though, and of course media that dumbs down everything to fit its session times (being charitable).

It is reasonable to assume that there would be depressed members and their families reading that. What messages might be better for them? -Especially considering that all have different things going on in their lives.

The messages from the wives of the officers,
and their families were loud and clear on
the TV program. They wanted their husbands/
fathers, remembered and honoured - just like
any other police officer who had died in the
line of duty. They also more to be done to
address the suicide rates in the force. The
numbers of officers committing suicide is quite
large and growing.

http://mentalhealthaustralia.org.au/former-police-call-for-more-to-be-done-to-address-suicide-rate-in-the-force

And -

http://www.australianpolice.com.au/category/deceased-police/suicide/