Loved husband of Shirley, very proud father and father-in-law of Jamie and Kristeen, Adam and Debbie.
Adored poppy of Zachariah, Noah and Solomon.
Loved brother and brother-in-law of Lee and Greg Medway and Diann and Kerry Creighton.
RIDING THOSE HIGHWAYS AGAIN
Relatives and friends of Roy are advised that his funeral will be held at All Saints’ Anglican Cathedral, Church Street, Bathurst on THURSDAY, 29th OCTOBER, 2015 commencing at 10.00am.
Following the service the cortege will leave for the Maranatha Lawn Cemetery, Bathurst.
Wednesday, 28 October 2015
Love and miss you dearly, may you rest in peace Roy. Xo
~
Debbie Hammond
Wednesday, 28 October 2015
You will never be forgotten dad, you’re the best farther anyone could wish for. I’m so lucky to call you dad! You will be missed and you’re legacy will live on.
2 years since you left us Roy and still miss and love you and always will. Love Diann
June 1, 2017
Adam Hammond
June 1, 2017
Adam Hammond
June 1, 2017
Adam Hammond
October 28, 2017
2 years since you left us Roy and still miss and love you and always will.
Love Diann
June 1, 2017
Adam Hammond
June 1, 2017
Adam Hammond
June 1, 2017
Adam Hammond
June 1, 2017
Adam Hammond
June 1, 2017
Adam Hammond
November 1, 2016
Roy you will never be forgotten miss you and love you. Your sister Diann
Diann Creighton, Dundas
November 24, 2015
Dear Shirley and family, I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Roy, he was a part of my life in 1969 when we were a part of Class 120, I have very fond memories of Roy during that period of my life. I am so sorry for your loss, he will always be remembered by all of us..
Dennis Blewitt, Lugarno, New South Wales
November 23, 2015
Dear Shirley and Family.
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your husband and family. Roy was one of the first fellows I meet in our Initial Training Course, No 120. I then worked Roy with over many years at Taree. I have some fond memories of Roy. Rest in Peace.
Dave WOOLNOUGH.
Dave WOOLNOUGH, Lake Macquarie, New South Wales
November 23, 2015
Dear Shirley and Family,we send our condolences to you on the sad and premature passing of Roy.
I have fond memories of Roy from our early days in the Force. He was a good man.Rest in Peace Roy.
Garry and Pauline
Garry Donnelly, Mollymook Beach, New South Wales
November 23, 2015
Dear Shirley and family, please accept my condolences at your sad loss. My memories of working with Roy will always bring a smile to my face. He will always be remembered. Peter MacDonald
November 23, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of the premature passing of Roy. Although we never caught up after passing out at Redfern in September, 1969, I vividly remember Roy as larger than life character.
To Roy’s family, please accept my condolences and may time heal his passing.
November 22, 2015
Dear Shirley and Family. Please accept our condolences. In loving memory of a wonderful and beautiful person, Roy Anthony Hammond. Our Prayers are with you all.
Roy. We did make a difference. We will meet again My Dear Friend. Rest in Peace now.
We love you and will miss you always. Neil & Maureen.
NEIL GODDARD, BANGOR, New South Wales
November 3, 2015
You will always be my beautiful big brother. My life will be less now you are not here, but you will be in my heart forever. Your lovely sister Diann.
Diann Creighton, DUNDAS, New South Wales
October 29, 2015
Please accept my condolences and know that Our Heavenly Father promises I reside in the high and holy place, But also with those crushed and lowly in spirit, To revive the spirit of the lowly And to revive the heart of those being crushed. Isaiah 57:15
October 28, 2015
Love and miss you dearly, may you rest in peace Roy. Xo
Debbie Hammond
October 28, 2015
You will never be forgotten dad, you’re the best farther anyone could wish for. I’m so lucky to call you dad! You will be missed and you’re legacy will live on.
It is with a very heavy heart I advise that Ian “Birky” Birkbeck has passed away after a brave fight against cancer. Ian had ridden as part of the official Qps Wall to Wall party since 2011 and missed this year due to illness.. He was a true friend and an absolute gentleman. He will be missed by everyone.. RIP Birky .. Bradyn Murphy QPS
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Perils of the Police – 1903 article
| 29/10/2015
From the New Zealand National Library Archives –
PERILS OF THE POLICE.
Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11010,
28 July 1903, Page 7
* Taking their Lives in their Hands
Long List of Fatalities.
The execution of Digby Grand and Henry Jones in Sydney the other day for the murder of Constable Long at Auburn a few months previously gives a sad interest to the subjoined list of New South Wales policemen who have either been killed or seriously wounded by desperate criminals while endeavouring to preserve the public peace. When bushranging was rife many constables lost their lives in endeavouring to rid the country of its human pest.
Sergeant MaGinnity was shot dead by Morgan at Tumberumba on June 24, 1864;
Senior-sergeant Smyth was shot dead by the same miscreant on September , 1864, near Kyambra;
Sergeant Parry was killed by bushrangers who had stuck up the mail from Gundagai to Yass, on November 15, 1864;
Constable McHale was seriously wounded by Dunn when the bushranger was captured at Marthaguy Creek, on December 14, 1865.
Morgan was himself shot near Wangaratta (Victoria), while Dunn was executed at Sydney on March 19, 1866.
A particularly brave single-handed attack upon its party of bushrangers at Nerringundah on April 9, 1866 by a young constable named Miles O’Grady, led to the policeman being shot dead by Clark and Connell, two of the gang.
Constable Raymond on April 14, 1866 was shot dead by James Crookwell, a prisoner of Berrima Gaol, who with 10 others made a desperate attempt to escape. Crookwell was hanged at Sydney on the following July 2.
At Binnie Creek, a few miles from Cowra, Sergeant Sutherland was shot dead by two armed men on May 1, 1872.
In the Warren district, on September 20, 1878Senior-sergeant Thomas Wallings was shot by Thomas Law, alias “Midnight,” who was himself pursued and shot by Constables Hatton and Gray.
Constable Bowen was shot dead by an armed gang, which stuck up the Wantabadgery Inn on November 16, 1879.
On March 12, 1885, two prisoners named Angel and Thurston, in Coonamble gaol shot Constable John Mitchell, the gaoler, and effected their escape. The offenders stuck up a store Slashers Flat, near Gulong in which Constables McKinlay and Day were awaiting them. They shot Charles Stewart, the storekeeper dead, but were themselves both shot by the police.
On August 13, 1885, Constable William Hird stopped two men at Canterbury, near Sydney early in the morning and interrogated them as to the contents of a parcel they were carrying. One of the men struck Hird with an axe and killed him. One of the pair was sentenced to imprisonment for life and the other to 15 years.
Sergeant Beatty of Penrith was stabbed to death in February, 1890 by a native of India. He also stabbed John Zahnliter who endevoured to apprehend him and save Beatty. The Indian was shot by Constable Mosdey.
On August 6, 1898, Constable McLean of Liverpool, had two men in custody; one of them, George Peisley, fired at the policeman (shooting him) and escaped, but was recaptured after a prolonged hunt in the bush, and sentenced to a term of imprisonment. ( Pursued by Police around Oatley, Mortdale and shooting to avoid apprehension. Eventually arrested at Arncliffe ).
Among the more important of recent cases are those of the late Constable David Sutherland shot by a burglar named James Morrison, in Rockwall Street, Potts Point, early on June 3, 1889;
Constable Slater, shot in the shoulder and thigh by burglar three weeks later;
Constable Pearce, shot in the shoulder while endeavouring to arrest a man in the grounds of Mr Oxbenham’s residence at Randwick on June 7, 1897;
Constable (now Detective) E.G. Ward, shot in the head by a man whose object, was to rescue a prisoner in Oxford Street, city, on October 22, 1900;
and the brutal murder by George Shaw, the coiner, in Shepherd Street Redfern, on July 19, 1902 of Constable Denis Guilfoyle, which occasioned a great sensation, owing to the escape of Shaw and his companion.
Constable Sutherland, who was only 28 years of age, was on duty in Rockwell Street at about 2.30 on the morning of June 3, 1883 ( 1889? ), when he saw Morrison, a noted burglar, slip out of a yard and walk hurriedly away. The constable, as Morrison would not stop, caught hold of him and the two fell to the ground. As they were struggling, the criminal drew a revolver and shot Sutherland in the groin. The dying constable struck him over the eye with his baton, inflicting a serious wound ; but Morrison, after firing another shot escaped, and throwing the weapon into a garden, ran down to Victoria Street where blood-stained and excited, he attracted the attention of Sergeant Hogan (now of Burwood) and Senior-constable Robinson, who arrested him. Constable Sutherland died some hours later in Sydney Hospital and Morrison was subsequently executed at Darlinghurst Gaol.
Mr Justice Stephen was awakened between 1 and 2 a.m. on June 25, 1889, by hearing two shots fired in his garden at Paddington. The judge ran out and discovered Constable Henry A Slater in his garden in the pouring rain, fainting from weakness and shot in two places, the shoulder and the thigh. Slater had seen a man entering the place, and endeavoured to arrest him, when two other men sprang out of the darkness, one of whom struck him on the head with a tomahawk, and the other fired at him. A tomahawk was found with a revolver, of which two chambers had recently been discharged. Slater recovered. Two men were arrested, and twice tried in connection with the affair, but they were not convicted.
The man who shot Constable Pearce was never discovered ;
but the assailant of Constable Ward received a sentence of seven years hard labour for his crime. Ward recovered, the bullet having only grazed his skull. This officer (says the Sydney Evening News) was one of the party that arrested Digby Grand.
AUSTRALIAN GRAND MASTER PADDLING CHAMPIONS 2010, 2011 & 2012 BARRY THOMAS PASSLOW KNEELING ROW – SECOND FROM LEFT.
LIONS CLUB MEMBER BARRY THOMAS PASSLOW (l) WITH PAST PRESIDENT ASHLEY STEPHENSON – 2009
BARRY THOMAS PASSLOW ANZAC Day – 2011
Balranald NSW. Anzac Day, Easter 2011, march & service. Paz the ‘Bagman’. BARRY THOMAS PASSLOW
Balranald NSW. Anzac Day, Easter 2011. Luncheon at Ex Services Club. Barry & Sandra Passlow
Balranald NSW. l-r Graham ‘Spag’ or ‘Slatters’ Comitti, John Redenbach, Barry Dean, Pat Morton, Barry Passlow, Lou Gilligan, Mick Pietsch, John Pugh, Daryl Deckert, Johnny Russell, Mick Kean. (AWOL is Col Pugh) BARRY THOMAS PASSLOW
Kyalite NSW. Dawn service Anzac Day, Easter 2011. l-r standing – Graham ‘Spag’ Comitti, Pat Morton, Mick Pietsch, Daryl Deckert, Barry Passlow, Lou Gilligan, Colin Pugh, John Russell, Barry Dean, Mick Kean. kneeling – Billy Moore, John Pugh. BARRY THOMAS PASSLOW
B
[alert_yellow]BARRY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
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Funeral location: ?
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
I have been informed that retired Sergeant Barry Passlow, former Wollongong police, passed away today.
Further details to follow.
Barry was a member of Bomaderry Lions Club, Nowra Waterdragons club ( Dragon boats ),
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Bull Terrier Attack On Heart Patient
Sydney Morning Herald
Tuesday September 17, 1991
By SANDRA HARVEY
A bull terrier dog charged and attacked a 63-year-old man as he was strolling along a South Coast beach on Monday afternoon.
The attack occurred just one day after baby Joshua Williams was mauled to death by his family’s pet bull terrier in the backyard of their North Richmond home.
In the latest attack, Mr Leonard Crane was forced to use his walking stick to fend off the dog which charged at him from 40 metres on Collingwood Beach at Jervis Bay shortly before 5.30pm.
Sergeant Barry Passlow from Nowra police said Mr Crane was not injured by the dog but was extremely distressed by the attack.
“He had recently undergone heart surgery and his doctors had said: ‘no stress’. This was just what he didn’t need,” Sergeant Passlow said.
The white bull terrier was one of two unleashed dogs which arrived on the beach with a man and a woman as Mr Crane was taking a stroll.
Sergeant Passlow said the woman called the dog off Mr Crane, but she and the man with her refused to give Mr Crane their names.
Sergeant Passlow said the dogs were supposed to be restrained on leashes and police were making inquiries to try to find the owners.
The Federal Government is expected to announce within three weeks a ban on the import of dangerous dogs.
About 11 a.m. Sunday 12 October 1902 Constable Johnston was off duty at his home at Elwood. He responded to a complaint that a man had tried to abduct a neighbour’s 8 year old daughter. Johnston immediately set off in pursuit and located the man in Milton Street Elwood. The suspect George Shaw had a lengthy criminal record. Unbeknown to Johnston Shaw was also the prime suspect for the murder of Constable Guilfoyle in Redfern New South Wales some months previously. When Johnston approached him Shaw produced a revolver and fired. Fatally wounded Johnston died within minutes. Shaw committed suicide at the intersection of Chapel Street and Rosamond Street a short time later.
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About 11am on 12 October, 1902 Constable Richard Johnston was off duty at his home at Elwood (Victoria) when a neighbour informed him that a man had attempted to abduct her eight year-old daughter. The constable quickly set off on his bicycle after the suspect and located him a short distance away. When the suspect saw the approaching policeman the offender drew a revolver and shot Constable Johnston, inflicting fatal wounds. The offender then left the scene, only to commit suicide a short time later when confronted by other police.
It was later found that the man who had murdered Constable Johnson was the same offender (Shaw) who had murdered Constable Guilfoyle at Redfern (NSW) three months earlier.
Constable Guilfoyle was shot by an offender named Shaw at Redfern whilst attempting to arrest him and another man for passing counterfeit coins. Following an incident involving a storekeeper, Constable Guilfoyle had sought the assistance of an off-duty member, Constable Michael Maher, and after checking several shops the offenders had been in they located them in Shepherd Street. As the two constables approached the offenders, one produced a revolver and shot Constable Maher three times. Shaw then also produced a pistol and shot Constable Guilfoyle twice. Constable Maher later recovered, however Constable Guilfoyle’s wounds proved to be fatal. Shaw then made good his escape, making his way to Victoria.
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A MURDERED CONSTABLE.
THE JOHNSTON MEMORIAL. “PAMPERED CRIMINALS” AND PENAL REFORM.
At the St. Kilda Cemetery on Sunday afternoon the Chief Commissioner of Police (Mr O’Callaghan) performed the ceremony of unveiling a marble monument erected by members of the police force over the grave of Constable Richard Johnston, who on 12th October last was shot dead by a notorious criminal named Shaw. The mayor of St. Kilda (Cr O’Donnell) presided, and amongst those present were Mr. McCutcheon, M.L.A. ; Inspector Hillard (officer in ohargd of the district), Inspector Crampton, Sergeant Davidson, the widow, with her children and her mother, many members of the force and a large gathering of the public.
Mr O’Callaghan retold the story of Constable Johnston’s death. On Sunday morning, when off duty, he was told that a ruffian had just been tampering with a child. He mounted his bicycle, and rode after the man who, when overtaken, turned and shot him through the heart. Remaining erect on his machine he rode nearly 100 yards, then his muscles relaxed, and he dropped dead. No more tragic occurrence saddened the records of the Victorian police force. Constable Johnston had upheld the best traditions of the force and taught a lesson that every member should lay to his heart. The event gave rise to the question why the State should go on feeding and pampering human tigers like the murderer of Constable Johnston, and letting them free again to prey upon the public. Why had a penal system been tolerated for so many years, under which such brutes, instead of being kept in confinement, were allowed to march at large to the detriment of all respectable people? In 1881 he had arrested the murderer of Constable Johnston. He was then known as a man who would “shoot at sight,” and though taken by surprise, had found time to grasp a pistol. A few years later he was set at large in the community. It was high time the public raised a protest against the liberation of such blood thirsty brutes. Drastic legislation should be introduced, and introduced quickly, to amend our penal system. Through the action of a generous public and a just Government the widow and children have had their material wants provided for.
Mr McCutcheon said he quite agreed with the remarks that had been made as to the manner in which criminals were pampered by the State. It was time some change was made in the law. The Government permitted criminals to multiply, and placed them in comfortable buildings, where they were well fed and well kept, and lacked only the company of their former friends to make them happy. He considered that every member of the force in both town and country should be armed with a revolver.
Inspector Hillard said that as far as he had been able to ascertain not a single instance could be recalled in which a member of the Victorian police force had played the part of a coward.
Several hymns, including one specially written for the occasion, were sung before and after the ceremony. – “Age”
Geelong Advertiser ( Vic. ) Tuesday 24 March 1903 page 4 of 4
Adored and dearly loved Husband Colleen. Much loved Father and Father-in-law of Tracey & Carl, Grahame & Margie, Robert & Kristyn, Geoffrey and Tony & Tracey. Adored Pop of his 13 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
Aged 71 Years
The family and friends of JIM are warmly invited to attend his Funeral Service to be held in St. Alban’s Anglican Church, Henry Street, Quirindi commencing at 10.30am, Wednesday 2nd September 2015.
To Be Followed By Private Cremation Entrusted to the care of SHAUN HAMILTON FUNERALS
Shaun Hamilton 6746 2222.
Published in The Northern Daily Leader from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1, 2015
Justyn had returned to the family home to help care for his younger brother who had a brain tumor but Justyn died 10 days after arriving.
His brother, Christopher, died from that brain tumor 9 weeks to the day, after Justyn had died.
May they both forever Rest In Peace
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Justyn’s parents would like to remind people about the very real danger of DVT, due to immobility, which the Coroner attributed directly Justyn’s job. Get away from that type writer, out of that seating position and exercise those legs.
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Newcastle Herald 2 March 2012
LIMOND, JUSTYN RAYMOND Passed away suddenly at North Rothbury 28th February, 2012 Aged 36 Years
Loved son of STEPHEN and ADELLA. Loving brother of CHRISTIAN, LACHLAN, BENNETT, BRONWYN, TED and SHAUNA. Loved partner of KATHY.
Family and Friends of JUSTYN, the LIMOND, PAGE and MILLER FAMILIES are warmly invited to attend his Funeral to be held in All Saints Anglican Church, Singleton, TUESDAY 6th March 2012 commencing at 11.30am followed by Private Family Burial. By request no flowers, donations may be left at the Church to aid the Singleton Cancer Appeal.
In the care of Chapmans Funerals Singleton 6572 1089 a.f.d.a.
* Despite the fact that the current aerial view of the cemetery with Google map does NOT show a row of graves, there is, in fact, a 5th row of graves and the ‘peace’ marker is the location that the boys graves are located at.
Beloved husband of Masami and father of Mia. Loving son of Pamela and Karl. Brother of Kerri-Anne, Margaret (deceased) and Colleen.
May he rest in peace.
Mass of Christian Burial for STEPHEN KARL ARKINS will be offered in
St. Agatha’s Church, Boundary Road, Pennant Hills on Tuesday October 20, 2015, at 12.00pm.
Saturday, 17 October 2015
My profound condolences. It was a pleasure to know him and an honour to serve with him. RIP mate, may there be a fair wind at your back for your journey into the home port.
~
Greg Berry,
Terrigal, New South Wales
* * *
Saturday, 17 October 2015
My deepest sympathy to Masami, Mia,Pamela ,Karl and family.
My prayers and Mass will be offered for you all in this sad loss.
Respectfully
Rosemary Hayes
Published in The Sydney Morning Herald on Oct. 17, 2015
Victoria Police is reeling after a police officer took her own life at a station in Melbourne’s south.
The leading senior constable died at the Seaford Multi-Disciplinary Centre about 3pm on Monday.
Victoria Police spokesman Leading Senior Constable Adam West would not confirm a report that she shot herself with her service weapon. He said there were no suspicious circumstances regarding the incident.
“As this incident is before the coroner, it would be inappropriate for us to say any further,” he said.
The leading senior constable’s death is the latest in a series of police suicides, with the coroner already investigating four deaths in recent years. More than 40 Victoria Police officers have reportedly committed suicide since 1990.
The latest comes after Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton last month ordered a comprehensive investigation into how to improve the mental health of officers.
According to the Victorian Department of Human Services, Seaford is one of the four centres across the state which provides support and services for adults and children who have experienced sexual assault.
Police Association secretary Ron Iddles told radio station 3AW that, on top of everyday pressures, officers had to deal with confronting work issues.
“One in five of the general community will suffer depression, and if you overlay police work, which has got relatively harder and more stressing over the last couple of years . . . the statistics are in excess of 200 members in the last 12 months are going off sick with mental illness.”
For help or information on mental health issues call Lifeline 131 114
Force to review police suicides after death of Victorian officer
Victoria Police will review police suicides around Australia after an officer used her gun to take her own life at work.
The incident occurred at 3:00pm on Monday at the Seaford Multi-Disciplinary Centre, a facility providing support for victims of sexual assault in Melbourne’s south-east.
Officers at the centre have been offered counselling, Police Association secretary Ron Iddles said.
“Any incident like this that takes place likes this amongst work colleagues is very traumatic for them,” he said.
“Those also who are suffering, might be depression or anxiety, need to reach out to your friends and get professional help.”
It is believed four officers took their lives last year.
Mr Iddles said the force was looking at ways to try to prevent any more deaths.
“I know it’s of concern to the current Chief Commissioner and he’s going to do a review of police suicides around Australia,” he said.
“Then [we’ll] see if we can do something to develop a strategy that will hopefully prevent it.”
An investigation will look at the circumstances surrounding the death of the leading senior constable.
Professor Sam Harvey from the Black Dog Institute said the death was a reminder of the mental health consequences of emergency service work.
“With the police I guess there’s a particular problem, while a lot of them are having mental health problems, they’re also carrying a weapon around,” he told 774 ABC Melbourne.
“This is thankfully still a relatively rare end point.”
About one in 10 emergency services workers show symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Prof Harvey said.
He said that meant there were lessons to be learnt from the 90 per cent of workers in the field who are more resilient to mental health issues.
“So we’re trying to learn from that and trying to test whether we can train all new emergency workers to learn new resilience techniques,” Professor Harvey said.
A POLICE officer used her service-issue weapon to take her life yesterday, sparking Victoria Police to consider a review of suicide in the force.
Police confirmed the death of a female leading senior constable, believed to be a mother, at the Seaford Multi-Disciplinary Centre. It is understood she died about 3pm.
“There are no suspicious circumstances,” a spokeswoman said last night.
Staff at the centre handle some of the state’s toughest crimes, including domestic violence, sex abuse and child abuse cases.
Police Association Secretary Ron Iddles told the Herald Sun he understood the woman used a firearm to end her life.
Sen-Sgt Iddles said police officers faced traumatic jobs.
“One in five of the general community will suffer depression, and if you overlay police work, which has got relatively harder and more stressing over the last couple of years, the statistics are in excess of 200 members in the last 12 months are going off sick with mental illness,” he told 3AW.
Mr Iddles said Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton was considering a review of police suicides in a bid to prevent the deaths.
“He will undertake a review of police suicides around Australia and come up with a strategy to deal with it,” Mr Iddles said.
“He will, as I understand, undertake a review of police suicides around Australia and come up with a strategy to deal with it.
“Policing is a very tough job. We have more police officers now than probably ever before suffering from depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress.
“Over the last two or three years, there is a whole range of factors — dealing with family violence every day, dealing with ice every day — that can create secondary trauma.
“It is about being aware — if you are struggling, accept that, put your hand up and say you need help.”
Last year the coroner investigated the death of four members who had taken their own lives.
Another officer died in June when he turned his gun on himself at a north eastern suburbs primary school.
Police Minister Wade Noonan last night said: “Our thoughts are with the officer’s family, friends and colleagues at this time.”
Shocked colleagues remembered the officer as a “beautiful lady, friend and devoted mother”.
“Rest in peace angel in blue,” one online tribute said.
It is understood the Seaford Multi-Disciplinary Centre was partially closed last night while investigations began.
Beyondblue is completing a “major” review of how Australian emergency services, including Victoria Police, support their members with mental health issues.
Chairman Jeff Kennett said last night that police officers taking their own lives was “all too frequent”.
“Beyondblue has recognised for some time that we are having some severe challenges among our first responders — the police, SES, ambos, fireys and those coming back from overseas service,” he said.
“We want to develop a service for all first responders that will help to change the culture of those organisations to enable people suffering from depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress to seek help without fearing for their careers or that they have failed.”
Victoria Police said staff at Seaford would be supported while the incident was investigated by the homicide squad.
Mr Kennett said emergency service officers needed ongoing counselling and support “after every (traumatising) incident”.
The woman’s family has been notified.
IF YOU or someone you know may be at risk of suicide or self harm, contact Lifeline (13 11 14) or BeyondBlue (1300 22 46 36)
Victorian police officer’s suicide casts spotlight on mental health toll in force
The suicide of a Victorian policewoman has highlighted the heavy toll emergency services work takes on officers and prompted calls for better suicide prevention measures.
The senior constable took her own life while on duty at a centre which helps victims of sexual assault in Melbourne’s south-east, on Monday.
She was a mother in her mid-30s and had been a policewoman for more than 12 years.
Her colleagues have been offered counselling, Police Association secretary Ron Iddles said.
“I think it’s always sad when we actually lose a member, but when a member takes their own life I think it’s far, far more tragic,” he said.
Mr Iddles said 220 police officers had taken sick leave for psychological problems like depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress in the last year.
A Police Association survey of 3,500 members found 77 per cent had trouble sleeping because of their work, and 8 per cent had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder over the past three years.
Mr Iddles said the policewoman’s death demonstrated the importance of cultural change, so people could seek help without fearing the consequences.
“I think in the past there has been a stigma in relation to putting your hand up and saying, ‘I’m not coping’, for fear that you might lose your job,” he said.
Four police suicides in recent years prompted Victoria Police to launched a nationwide review.
It is also working on a smartphone app to help officers suffering from mental illness.
Police suicide ‘relatively rare end point’
An investigation will look at the circumstances surrounding the death of the leading senior constable.
Professor Sam Harvey from the Black Dog Institute said the death was a reminder of the mental health consequences of emergency service work.
“With the police I guess there’s a particular problem, while a lot of them are having mental health problems, they’re also carrying a weapon around,” he told 774 ABC Melbourne.
“This is thankfully still a relatively rare end point.”
About one in 10 emergency services workers show symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Professor Harvey said.
He said that meant there were lessons to be learnt from the 90 per cent of workers in the field who are more resilient to mental health issues.
“So we’re trying to learn from that and trying to test whether we can train all new emergency workers to learn new resilience techniques,” Professor Harvey said.
Victoria’s Mental Health Minister Martin Foley said the State Government would work closely with police to examine how the mental health of officers could be improved.
“We look forward to working with police command about understanding what it is that drives our frontline emergency services workers to take such a sad step,” he said.
CARROLL. Simone Maree. Leading Senior Constable Victoria Police
25.4.1979 – 12.10.2015
Treasured and devoted mother of 3 wonderful boys; Luke, Max and Ned.
Adored daughter of Jan and the late Peter Twining.
Loving sister of Ingrid, Angela, Peter (dec. ), Rita and Will.
Loved stepdaughter of John.
Simone will always be Loved and Honoured May she enjoy Everlasting Peace
CARROLL. Simone.
Leading Senior Constable 33923
Acting Superintendent Drew Morgan, Officers and employees of the Southern Metro Region Division 4 sincerely regret the tragic passing of our friend and colleague; we stand together to offer our deepest sympathy to her family and friends.
Station Command, Sergeants and all Members at Frankston Police Station mourn the tragic loss of our workmate and friend. Our sincerest sympathy is extended to Simone’s family and friends.
The President, Executive and Members of The Police Association mourn the passing of Senior Constable Carroll and extend their deepest sympathy to her family. At Rest
Members of the Frankston SOCIT and Frankston SOR are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our friend and colleague. You will always be in our hearts and never forgotten
The Assistant Commissioner and Staff of Crime Command express their heartfelt condolences to Simone’s family, friends and colleagues on her tragic passing.
Assistant Commissioner Robert Hill, Commander Dean Stevenson, Officers and employees of the Southern Metro Region sincerely regret the untimely and tragic passing of our colleague and offer our deepest sympathy to her family and friends.
The Chief Commissioner, Officers and Employees of the Victoria Police Force regret the sudden passing of their colleague and offer their deepest sympathy to her family.
Fiancee of bullied police officer who took his own life sues the state
PETER MICKEL BUROUGH, Herald Sun
EXCLUSIVE: THE fiancée of a bullied police officer who shot himself with his service firearm is suing the state.
Sarah Fleming, 32, says that prior to his suicide, her fiance, Robert John Smith, was in “emotional turmoil” and had made a complaint of workplace bullying, harassment and other stressors.
Ms Fleming says Mr Smith’s decision to take his life was due to the negligence of the force, which was responsible for the training and action of its employees.
Mr Smith died of a gunshot wound to the head while on duty at the Boronia Police station on June 29, 2013.
In a writ filed in the County Court Ms Fleming claims unspecified damages for the injuries she suffered as a result of Mr Smith’s death.
Since 2000, five Victoria Police officers have died in the line of duty, but 16 more have died by their own hand.
Last October, a policewoman ( Simone CARROLL ) and mother of three, who had previously been on mental health leave and had reported her struggles to Victoria Police, turned her police-issued gun on herself while she was on duty at the Seaford Multi-Disciplinary Centre.
That suicide prompted Police Association boss Ron Iddles — who had previously criticised the force’s efforts to tackle bullying — to call for more to be done to improve welfare of police.
Mr Iddles called for early identification programs in police training programs and at the workplace and for more police to talk about problems and show their colleagues help is available.
The association declined to comment yesterday on what progress was being made or whether there needed to be, or had been, a review of the provision of weapons to officers who have lodged mental health claims.
Ms Fleming’s legal action comes as police and ambulance unions campaign to change how mental health claims are treated, and in the case of post-traumatic stress disorder claims, reverse the onus on emergency workers to prove their condition was caused by work, which can sometimes delay much-needed treatment for years.
Between July 2010 and June last year, WorkCover accepted 482 mental injury claims from Victoria Police (and rejected 500), including 241 resulting from harassment and bullying, 252 for work pressure, 167 sparked by traumatic events and 54 due to occupational violence.
And police were hit harder by bullying than stress and trauma, according to members’ claims in 2014-15.
A National Coronial Information System report on Intentional self-harm among emergency service personnel last year revealed that of the 62 police suicides in Australia between July 1, 2000, and December 2012, 25 shot themselves — 23 with their service-issued firearm.
A Victorian Coroners Prevention Unit report into suicide rates among workers in key professions last year found the annual suicide rate among Victoria police was 10 per 100,000.
Police spokeswoman Sophie Jennings said in the past year the force had improved its complaints handling and completely reformed the way it responds to conflict, claims of bullying and harassment.
DO YOU NEED HELP? If this article causes you distress or if you require more information, police employees can call Welfare Services confidentially 24 hours 7 days a week on 9247 3344, and other members of the community can call Lifeline 13 11 14 or Beyondblue 1300 224 636
