Suicide Prevention

In reply to the Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (10 February 2016).

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS (Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety): I am advised:

1. In January 2009, SAPOL adopted a range of initiatives emanating from the Mindframe program. A comprehensive training program is undertaken by all police recruits, spanning a broad range of topics relating to police dealing with people with mental health issues and police dealing with their own mental health management. This training was designed to capture new recruits since the adoption in 2009 of the Mindframe initiatives. This training also extends to managing communications with persons threatening suicide, particularly in high risk situations.

SAPOL do not release details of any police suicides unless there is critical reason to do so. This policy is in line with a nationally agreed position emanating from the October 2015 National Police Media Managers Conference. This policy and procedure is included in all media training throughout SAPOL and has been since 2009.

2. In addition to the training delivered on the approved recruit training program, all appointed police officers receive additional suicide-related training when attending promotional and developmental training course.

Operational members are required to attend corporate training on a rotational basis. 'Suicide Awareness' and 'Prevention and Building Resilience' are compulsory subjects forming part of the corporate training cycle.

The current Advanced Diploma of Policing has an element on managing behaviour in the workplace. From January 2017, the advanced diploma will have a human resource management element relating to the management of employee welfare.