Police officer stopped at airport days before taking own life

A police officer who took his own life at work was stopped at an international airport days before his death.

WA Police commissioner Col Blanch told 6PR the officer was a 45-year old Homicide Squad detective who had returned from a family event overseas.

The officer took his own life at a Perth police facility on Monday morning.

Mr Blanch said it was not clear if the incidents were connected in any way, but it was a focus of the police investigation.

“It is not unusual for Homicide Squad detectives (to access the armoury out of hours) because as you would appreciate they are called in at all hours of the day or night,” he said.

“All of those detectives have access to the building including the armoury for exactly that reason.”

Mr Blanch said sadly, when he talked to families of police officers who had died through suicide, work was always a contributing factor.

“It is a tough job,” he said.

“There are often multiple factors … and many many issues within people’s lives that leads them down this path.

“We understand and acknowledge it is a very difficult job for police.”

Mr Blanch said he had focused on building the health and welfare section of the force, with more support available to officer’s than ever before.

He said right now the priority was the welfare of the officer’s family, his colleagues and the staff who were in the building at the time.

“We have a lot of support form our health and welfare area being deployed throughout the agency to give that support to the officers and to the family,” he said.

“Police Legacy are also involved to provide support to the family when officers pass away.”

In a statement released by police, a spokesperson said the death was not being considered suspicious.

“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,” the statement said.