1 week Ago By Rebecca Peppiatt
A WA Police officer has died overnight in a Perth facility in what is thought to be suicide, with an investigation under way into how the tragedy unfolded. WA Police confirmed the news on Monday, stating that the man’s death was non-suspicious and that a report would be prepared for the coroner. Police are investigating.
Credit: Peter de Kruijff This terminology is generally understood to relate to a self-harm incident. Police Commissioner Col Blanch extended his condolences to the family of the officer, his colleagues and all who knew him. “Information regarding this officer’s death has been shared with his colleagues, and health and welfare support has been offered to all police officers and staff who may be impacted by this tragedy,” a WA Police spokeswoman said.
WA Police Union president Paul Gale said the whole force and union membership were distraught. “All of our members both here and across Australia will be affected by this,” he said. WA Police officers who have taken their own lives in the line of duty include officer Darren Igglesden, 50, who was found by colleagues at Cockburn police station in 2018 after suffering a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Gang Crime Squad detective sergeant Scott Blanchard, a married 45-year-old father of three, took his own life while travelling in a convoy en route to Kalgoorlie in 2015. In her findings, deputy State Coroner Evelyn Vicker concluded Blanchard had become overcome by his perceptions of his work and private responsibilities, and delusional about a medical condition..
