Tragedy: AFP officer commits suicide at Perth headquarters
An Australian Federal Police officer has committed suicide at police headquarters in Perth.
The 34-year-old man allegedly used his service weapon on himself on Friday at the AFP offices on Murray Street in the west of the city.
It appears that his colleagues did not hear a shot but discovered the police officer some time later.
He had served as a Protective Service Officer, a specialist whose job is to protect important Australian locations like Parliament, provide security in diplomatic situations and act as a first responder to criminal and security threats national.
The incident is being investigated by WA Police and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
Australian Federal Police officer commits suicide at police headquarters in Perth
AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw (above) said SHIELD, the AFP’s main health and wellbeing support service, was activated immediately following the incident.
AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw confirmed the young man’s death in a statement on Saturday afternoon.
“The AFP mourns the loss of one of our own,” he said.
“The AFP is providing pastoral support to the police officer’s immediate family and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.
“The AFP will also offer care and support to all our members, not only to those who have lost a colleague and friend, but to all our members during this period of bereavement.”
SHIELD, the AFP’s primary health and wellness support service, was activated immediately following the incident.
“Two AFP WA SHIELD psychologists, a caseworker, the SHIELD hub manager and an exercise physiologist were activated and present at AFP WA office sites yesterday,” Commissioner Kershaw said .
“A Western Australian Police chaplain also provided support.
“I know this type of news can affect anyone and I urge everyone in our blue family to take care of yourself, each other, and reach out if you need support.”
A handful of other AFP agents have committed suicide on the job since 2017.
Among those who died was mother-of-two Sue Jones, who was found dead at AFP headquarters in Melbourne in 2017.
Officers were reportedly overwhelmed by increased overtime and limited staffing.
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Sue Jones, 53, mother of two, committed suicide at AFP headquarters in Melbourne in 2017
