AFP officer dies at Perth headquarters

An Australian Federal Police (AFP) officer has died after taking their own life at the organisation’s Perth headquarters.

It happened on Friday at the AFP’s offices on Murray Street in West Perth.

The 34-year-old was a Protective Service Officer, and the incident is being investigated by WA Police.

AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw released a statement on Saturday confirming the death.

“The AFP is mourning the loss of one of our own,” Mr Kershaw said.

“The AFP is providing pastoral support to the officer’s immediate family and our thoughts are with them during this distressing time.

“The AFP will also offer care and support to all our members, not only those who have lost a colleague and a friend, but for all our members during this time of grief.”

SHIELD, AFP’s primary health and wellbeing support service, was activated immediately after the incident.

“Two AFP WA SHIELD psychologists, a welfare officer, SHIELD’s hub manager and an exercise physiologist were activated and onsite at AFP WA office sites yesterday,” Mr Kershaw said.

“Two further AFP Shield psychologists will arrive in WA tomorrow, as will an AFP chaplain to continue to provide pastoral care.

“I know this type of news can affect anyone and I urge all in our blue family to look after yourself, one another, and reach out if you need support.”

The West Australian newspaper reports staff were unhappy with AFP leadership, while officers are under pressure from low staffing and excess overtime.

At least five other AFP officers have taken their lives at work across Australia since 2017.