By Tanya Steele
After the tragic death of a police officer in the Olinda Police Station in 2018, the Coroner’s court of Victoria has released their findings on 24 February this year.
Coroner Audrey Jamieson made note of ‘financial stressors leading to anxiety and hopelessness’ that led to the 59-year-old ‘Mr WB’ taking his own life and made recommendations towards the access that police have to firearms locked in police station safes.
Mr WB died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after ongoing issues with his mental health related to financial stress and his death was reported to the Coroner as it fell within the definition of a reportable death in the Coroners Act 2008 (the Act).
At the time of his death, Mr WB lived with his wife and was remembered as a loving, kind and caring family man and was close to retirement.
“He was responsible, laid back and generous with his time, with a dry sense of humour. He loved horse racing and AFL football but above all was devoted to his family, particularly his grandchildren,” read the report.
A long-serving member of Victoria Police since 1978, he worked at several police stations including Ashburton, Malvern, Glen Waverley, Knox and Belgrave, where he worked from March 2010 until his death.
The coroner reported that had Mr WB been unable to access Olinda Police Station and obtain a firearm from the safe, his death would have been preventable in the circumstances in which they occurred.
“It follows that the vicarious trauma of police members responding to the scene at their place of work may have been prevented. However, given his access to other lethal means, I am unable to make a finding that his death was preventable in its entirety,” said Coroner Jamiseon.
Coroner Jamieson recommended that with the aim of preventing like deaths and promoting public health and safety, Victoria Police implement an audit or checking system to ensure that members’ access cards are revoked as soon as they have no need for them and that digital locks are changed on a regular basis.
“Including where staff changeover has occurred,” she said.
SMG Health have also since implemented policies and procedures to ensure all contractors and employees providing employee assistance program services to Victoria Police Members so staff are aware of the reporting requirements. They have also released guidance on managing high risk clients, as well as introduced mandatory reporting.
“I convey my sincere condolences to WB’s family for their loss,” said Coroner Jamieson.
If you are concerned that someone is struggling or might be thinking about suicide and you aren’t sure how to talk to them, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Beyond Blue also provide 24/7 for counselling which is free and confidential on 1300 22 4636.
