A senior constable from Victoria Police, referred to as WB, tragically took his own life in the disabled toilet of the Olinda Police Station in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. His death, which occurred in 2018, has been the subject of a recent coroner’s investigation. It was revealed that WB had been on sick leave due to ongoing mental health issues when he accessed the station using his swipe card and obtained a service firearm.
The coroner, Audrey Jamieson, found that WB’s death could have been prevented had he been restricted from entering the station while on leave. She highlighted that the appropriate actions, such as revoking his access credentials and ensuring he could not access firearms, could have significantly reduced the risk of such a tragic outcome. Despite the care and concern from his colleagues, Victoria Police was not made aware of WB’s heightened risk of self-harm, and medical professionals involved in his care believed the risk would be mitigated if he did not return to work.
Jamieson stated that although WB had access to lethal means, hence preventing his death entirely could not be guaranteed, restricting access to the station could have played a crucial role. She recommended that Victoria Police implement an audit process to ensure access cards are revoked immediately when an employee is deemed unfit for duty, and urged regular changes to digital lock systems.
In light of WB’s case, a spokesperson for Victoria Police expressed condolences to his family and acknowledged the necessity of reflecting on the coroner’s recommendations. They reaffirmed Victoria Police’s commitment to the health and well-being of its staff, expressing openness to measures that enhance safety.
WB’s tragic death is not an isolated incident; several officers have taken their lives within police premises in Victoria. In 2023, another sergeant ended his life at Moorabbin Police Station, while an investigation into the deaths of 35 police employees who died by suicide over the past 15 years has been ordered. This review revealed that the majority of those who died were male officers, many of whom had evident mental health issues, primarily depression. There was also a strong correlation between work-related stressors and personal factors, demonstrating the pressing need for improved support systems for those within the force.