Tragedy as 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 is said to have used his service firearm on himself at the AFP offices on Murray Street in the west of the city on Friday.
It is understood that his colleagues did not hear a shot, but discovered the officer some time later.
He had served as a Protective Service Officer, a specialist whose job is to protect key Australian sites such as Parliament House, provide security in diplomatic situations and act as a first responder to criminal and national security threats.
The incident is being investigated by WA Police and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
An Australian federal police officer has committed suicide at police headquarters in Perth
AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw (above) said SHIELD, the AFP’s primary health and welfare support service, was activated immediately after 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 officer’s immediate family and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.
“The AFP will also provide care and support to all our members, not just those who have lost a colleague and a friend, but to all our members at this time of mourning.”
SHIELD, the AFP’s primary health and welfare support agency, was activated immediately following the incident.
“Two AFP WA SHIELD psychologists, a welfare officer, the SHIELD hub manager and an exercise physiologist were activated and on-site at the AFP WA office locations yesterday,” Commissioner Kershaw said.
“A Western Australian Police chaplain also provided support.
“I know news like this can affect anyone and I urge everyone in our blue family to take care of yourselves and each other and to reach out if you need support.”
A handful of other AFP officers have committed suicide on the job since 2017.
Among those who died was mother-of-two Sue Jones, who was found dead at the AFP headquarters in Melbourne in 2017.
Officers have reportedly become overwhelmed by increased overtime and limited staffing.
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Sue Jones, 53, mother of two, took her own life at AFP headquarters in Melbourne in 2017