The federal police union has renewed its call for more action on officer depression and anxiety after the reported suicide death of a plain-clothes member in a Canberra hotel room on Tuesday.
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The Australian Federal Police confirmed in a statement that "a member . . . appears to have taken his own life" and that "a brief is now being prepared for the ACT Coroner".
"The AFP is providing support to the member's family and colleagues."
It is the fifth time in which a federal police officer has turned their own AFP-issued handgun on themselves since early 2017.
The victim has not been identified but news.com.au is reporting him as an Air Security Officer who worked to prevent and resolve high-risk incidents on board domestic and international aircraft.
The union that represents the 9000-strong federal police cohort issued its condolences to the member's family, friends and work colleagues and said that it was "thinking of them during this difficult time".
"We will work with the AFP in providing support and welfare services to any AFP employee affected by this tragic incident," union president Angela Smith said.
"The doors of the AFPA will always be open to members who require support and welfare services and I strongly encourage any AFP member to reach out to us for assistance and help."
Prior to the recent federal election, Labor had promised to invest $5 million in new mental health support for federal police officers, as 66 per cent experience a potentially traumatic event at some time during their careers.
If you, or someone you know, needs help, we encourage you to contact Lifeline (13 11 14) or Beyondblue (1300 224 636) who provide 24/7 support services.
