AFP officer workplace suicides: Headquarters scene of second tragic death
A SECOND workplace suicide has rocked the Australian Federal Police after another member died at the Melbourne Headquarters.
AN AUSTRALIAN Federal Police officer who is believed to have taken his own life inside the Melbourne Headquarters over the weekend was the second to do so in the building this year.
It was the latest in a string of apparent workplace suicides that have rocked the embattled organisation.
News.com.au understands that AFP member Malcolm Scott, 59, walked into the foyer of the building and died by suicide just before 9am on Saturday.
AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin said it was “with great sadness I can confirm one of our police officers has died in Melbourne … as a result of a gunshot wound”.
“The male officer was found by colleagues in the AFP’s Melbourne Headquarters in La Trobe Street,” Mr Colvin said.
Independent police advocacy and support group Blue Hope spokesman Mark Kelly said: “It’s tragic and does point to problems in the AFP.
“We’ve been contacted by a lot of members who have been struggling with PTSD.”
Mr Kelly said he was concerned officers might be trying to send a message by taking their lives in the workplace.
The circumstances in the lead up to Mr Scott’s or Ms Jones’ deaths are not yet publicly known. But the tragic incidents have highlighted an increasingly fragile workforce in an organisation that has now seen two members go to work and die there in within nine months of each other. According to AFP whistleblowers, the deaths are symptomatic of a stressed workforce that has been overexposed to a toxic — and dangerous — culture.
Ms Jones’ death prompted close to 100 current and former AFP agents to contact news.com.au about the organisation’s extreme bullying culture and its mismanagement of the issue.
Many of those who came forward said they or their loved ones had contemplated or attempted suicide because of poor treatment at the hands of the organisation and a lack of internal support.
“It’s like looking at a whole lot of ticking time bombs and wondering which one will go off,” one AFP source told news.com.au in February this year.
It was a prediction those who spoke out publicly believed would come to fruition.
There are now grave concerns from within the AFP community that some struggling members with access to firearms may not only be a risk to themselves, but also to others.
Several AFP officers who contacted news.com.au said “things have only become worse” in recent times.
“Anytime another story comes out it turns the spotlight on AFP and then the sharks come out,” one source said.
“The AFP only cares about managing their image, it’s toxic.
“There needs to be an inquiry.”
An AFP spokesman on Tuesday said members of the organisation “were shocked and saddened following the incident on Saturday — with our deepest sympathies extended to the officer’s family and colleagues”.
“The AFP recognises that policing is in inherently difficult job that can place the mental and physical health of members at risk,” the statement read.
“This is why the AFP has a range of systems and protocols in place that recognise the seriousness of mental illness, and to provide necessary support to affected members.”
Mr Scott had served in the AFP’s International Deployment Group (IDG) in East Timor and Papua New Guinea before returning to Melbourne.
Prior to that Mr Scott served as a member in Victoria Police. He was also a popular footballer who had played 10 games and kicked 26 goals for St Kilda in 1979-1980 and later played one game for Sydney. He was a country footballer with the Sebastopol, North Ballarat and Bacchus Marsh clubs.
Bacchus Marsh Club president Adam Sutherland described Mr Scott as a “special member of the Cobra family being a player, Captain, Coach, Mentor, Leading Goal Kicker, and member of the Team of the Era”.
“He is also a BFL Hall of Fame member, and decorated North Ballarat and Sebastopol player and member. Malcolm was also a very community-minded person, performing many community roles over many years, most recently of course as a member of the Australian Federal Police to do his bit to help make and keep our country safe,” Mr Sutherland said.
One of many tributes to Mr Scott that poured in on social media described him as “a great guy who touched the lives of thousands”.
“A respected veteran police officer and admired AFL coach, he quietly commanded respect, and his deeds and mannerisms made him a stand out as a true gentleman,” it read.
“His memory will live on in the hearts and minds of all those who had the privilege to meet him.
“Our sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of this great officer, footballer and humanitarian.”
Victoria Police is preparing a report in relation to Mr Scott’s death for the state coroner.
“The AFP will closely consider the circumstances surrounding this recent incident as well as any recommendations from the coroner to determine if any further support or operational changes are required,” a statement from the AFP read.
One police welfare advocacy group spokesman told news.com.au: “The most important thing is that AFP should constantly be under a strong spotlight, we must never lose interest, assume that things got better, or fall for the plane-pulling stunts.”
If you need help call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
For more information on how to support others who might need help and what warning signs to look for, visit: Conversations Matter.
A Service celebrating the life of Leading Senior Constable Gary Miller will be held in the Chapel of the Victoria Police Academy, View Mount Rd, Glen Waverley on WEDNESDAY (Jan. 10, 2018) at 1.30 p. m.
A Private Cremation will follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Gary to McCulloch House. Envelopes available at the Service.
Passed away peacefully on Thursday 12th October, 2017.
Late of Shoreline Drive, Northshore, Port Macquarie.
Dearly beloved Husband of Donna.
Loving Father of Harry, Fred and Max.
Fond Son and Son in law of Ray and Pat Hanley, Brian (deceased) and Marie Shaw.
Loving Brother of Shane, Roger and Joshua.
Brother in law, Uncle and Cousin to their Families
Aged 48 Years
A Service of Thanksgiving for the Life of Phil will be celebrated in the Chapel of the Innes Gardens Memorial Park Crematorium, Philip Charley Drive, Port Macquarie on Friday 20th October, 2017 commencing at 1.p.m.
By special request if you would like to wear footy jerseys, flanno and thongs in keeping with Phil’s casual approach to life.
October 24, 2017
standing at the funeral was like having my life flash before my eyes it was a very emotional moment and almost everyone cried including me.
after we all went to hibard and snuck into the trampoline park to have fun then played putt putt golf.
alanna parry-watson, nsw, New South Wales
October 18, 2017
You will live on forever in our fond memories. Thank you for your big heart. After a courageous fight may you Rest In Peace .
Family mourns dedicated Wangaratta police officer, father and ‘lovable idiot’ Gavin Frew
Shana Morgan
The death of Leading Senior Constable Gavin Frew has devastated his family and Wangaratta police colleagues who always found joy in his unique ways.
He had been stationed with the Wangaratta Highway Patrol in recent years after moving to the region from Horsham, but died this week.
Daughter Kaycee Frew said her father was her best friend.
“He was a loving husband, an amazing father and a lovable idiot to all,” she said.
“His many years of service in the Victoria police brought joy to the people who worked with him – the hole left in our lives is deep and painful.”
Leading Senior Constable Frew was known for his dedication to the job and sense of humour, but also suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Ms Frew described him as her “sad clown” and wanted to make him the face of the disorder within Victoria Police. His death comes as Police Remembrance Day will be commemorated on September 29.
Superintendent Paul O’Halloran said messages of sympathy for the loss of Leading Senior Constable Frew had come from the Border region and from Horsham.
“He was always quite vocal around the building … it’s had a really significant impact,” he said.
“We’re shocked and saddened. Gavin was a well-liked and very well-respected member of the Wangaratta Highway Patrol and he’s also really well known across the force.”
Horsham-based friend Michael Ryan said Leading Senior Constable Frew was loved by all.
“He was a gorgeous young man. It was very hard to not like him, even as a copper. He was just good to people,” he said.
“There was nothing about him that was evil or mean.”
Mr Ryan knew Mr Frew through their mutual involvement with Horsham Saints Football Netball Club.
“Gavin came from a fantastic family – really good community-minded people,” he said.
“He was really good policeman. It takes a bit of skill and nous to be good at the job and still be at peace with your community, but he was both. We could do with a lot more people like him.”
A service for Leading Senior Constable Frew will be held in Wangaratta next week.
If you or anyone you know needs help, support is available by calling Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Date of birth: 26 March, 1969 Date of passing: 23 September, 2017
FREW – Gavin John
(Late of Mt Bruno and formerly of Horsham)
Tragically taken too soon on Saturday September 23, 2017 aged 48 years.
Soulmate and best friend to Rebecca, Brendan, Jemma and Kaycee.
Beloved son of Neil and Maree and son-in-law to Gary and Diane.
Adored brother and brother-in-law of Jodie, Nicole, Fiona-Louise, Rodney and their families.
You left a space no-one can fill.
You were loved beyond life.
Funeral Details
Funeral Prayers for Leading Senior Constable Gavin Frew 27893 will be offered in Our Lady’s Catholic Church, corner of Murdoch Road and White Street, Wangaratta on Thursday October 5, 2017 commencing at 10.30am.
A Private Cremation will follow this Service.
POLICE HONOURS
In lieu of flowers, a donation made to the Starlight Foundation for Rosie Carroll would be greatly appreciated. Donation envelopes will be available at the Church.
The final salute of respect for much-loved Wangaratta police officer Gavin Frew
Shana Morgan
The emotional, and at times funny, funeral for Leading Senior Constable Gavin Frew was a fitting tribute to the well-loved Wangaratta police officer.
His colleagues lined White Street after the service on Thursday in a guard of honour, saluting his casket and family members as a final mark of respect.
Leading Senior Constable Frew’s death came as a shock to those around him, and wife Bec Frew thanked the hundreds of people at the funeral for their support to keep her strong.
“If everybody just took on that little bit of love and happiness, and shared it with everyone around them, what a wonderful world it would be,” she said
“You were my other half, my soulmate, my anchor in so many storms … You made our world a better place, you will be forever in our hearts.”
He was remembered as a proud father, larrikin big brother, devoted friend and although he was constantly making those around him laugh on and off the job, he was the ultimate professional as a police officer.
Daughter Kaycee Frew said the day was a chance to “celebrate the life of a very loved idiot”.
Kaycee Frew September 24, 2017 · It hurts my soul to inform you all that my best mate Gavin has left us too soon. I will miss you forever. Thanks for helping to make me the amazing person I am today. Miss you so much already Dad. Rest easy my Gangster. ❤️
“My dad had the amazing ability to make people laugh in any circumstance, especially under serious ones. His cheeky smile and quirky personality is what we’ll all miss the most,” she said.
Leading Senior Constable Frew graduated the police academy in 1989, passing the final fitness test despite a broken collarbone he suffered while trying to do a stand-up somersault after winning a football final.
He served in Broadmeadows, Ararat and Horsham, before moving to Wangaratta in 2012.
Most of the speakers at the funeral recounted Leading Senior Constable Frew’s favourite piece of trivia he would constantly ask family, friends, colleagues and even people he pulled over on the road: when was the Battle of Hastings?
Wangaratta Highway Patrol Sergeant Michael Connors confirmed the legend that the officer was always looking for a motorist who knew the right answer, 1066. “If they got that correct, there was a chance of them getting a warning,” he said.
Leading Senior Constable Frew’s call sign “Wangaratta 610” has been retired as a mark of respect.
Thursday’s service was also attended by Acting Chief Commissioner Andrew Crisp and Acting Assistant Commissioner Clive Rust.
Donations to the Starlight Children’s Foundation were being collected by the family in lieu of flowers.
Police ‘macho culture’ needs to change
Leading Senior Constable Gavin Frew was a man of extraordinary light and good humour, but he was also one of many police officers who suffered post-traumatic stress disorder.
His family now want to raise awareness of the condition.
Long-time friend Anthony Hoffmann told Thursday’s service about the many good times he had with Leading Senior Constable Frew, but said things had to change when it came to dealing with PTSD.
“Over the years we’d always get together and trade some war stories – some funny, some not so funny – but we’d never talk about how these moments affected us, I guess mainly because silently we did not want to appear weak,” he said.
“This is wrong and we need to change this attitude.
“If there’s one thing we can and should take away from this tragedy, it’s that we need to change this macho culture and to learn to talk and to ask for help when we need it, otherwise we’ll needlessly lose more sons, daughters, husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters – enough is enough.
“I implore you to take this message away today: life is precious and our time here short, so we owe it to our loved ones to be the best we can, but we can’t do that alone so it’s time to man up and be honest with those around you.
“Don’t wait to be asked, just please ask for help if you need it.”
Mr Hoffmann said his friend was a very courageous man, looking out for team mates on the football field and in other parts of life.
“He never took a backwards step, even when the odds were stacked against him,” he said.
If you or anyone you know needs help, support is available by calling Lifeline on 13 11 14.
SPECIAL MAN: Leading Senior Constable Gavin Frew was remembered as an “idiot to all and loved by everyone”.
GUARD OF HONOUR: Wangaratta, Horsham and police command officers along White Street after Thursday’s funeral. Pictures: MARK JESSER
Horsham Saints Cricket Club Like This Page · September 26, 2017 · Vale Gavin Frew. This morning I learnt of the untimely passing of Gavin Frew who by his own words couldn’t bat and couldn’t bowl. Gavin played just the 20 matches for the club for 68 runs (HS 26) but he did return for our premiership reunions earlier this year as a member of the C Grade 1988/89 premiership team. Gavin was a Vicpol member here in Horsham before heading up to Wangaratta. On behalf of the Horsham Saints (formally St. Michael’s) Cricket Club we pass on our condolences to his family. – Trent King, Secretary Remember is ok to not be ok. It’s always okay to ask for help. If you notice mates acting strange it doesn’t hurt to ask if they are okay. with Mike Toone.
Joy IDE
14/01/2019
Joy IDE
( Widow of Kenneth Noel IDE # 6792 & mother to Scott – Regd # 15735 )
Late of Merrylands
New South Wales Police Force
Rank: Police Wife & Police Mother
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: 8 December 1928
Died on: 5 December 2017
Age: 79
Cause: Stroke
Event location: Cardinal Gilroy Village, Merrylands
Event date: 5 December 2017
Funeral date: Tuesday 12 December 2017 @ 1.30pm
Funeral location: West Chapel, Pinegrove Crematorium, Great Western Hwy, Wallgrove
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial located at: Pinegrove – Ceramic Court, Rose Garden 3, Plot 24A ( Ken ) & 24B ( Joy )
ANY FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH CAN BE SENT TO:
Beloved wife of Kenneth (dec). Devoted mother of Ashley & Scott.
Loving Grandmother & Great-grandmother.
Always in our hearts
In God’s care
Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Joy’s funeral at Pinegrove Memorial Park on TUESDAY (12th December 2017) commencing at 1:30 pm within the West Chapel.
Published in The Sydney Morning Herald on Dec. 9, 2017
December 10, 2017
It broke our hearts to lose you but you did not go alone. For part of us went with you the day God called you home.
Scott Ide,
Jerrabomberra,
New South Wales
December 13, 2017
Mum, we saw you off yesterday and I am sure you would have been pleased with the service. The pain, I feel will take a long time to subside. I miss you so much and I think about the things I could have done to make your life somewhat easier. We are all too busy these days to look after our loved ones. It is too late now and I live with regrets. I was so proud to have you as my mother and I will see you in Heaven.
Rest in Peace Mum.
I will love you forever.
In Gods care.
Scott Ide,
Jerrabomberra, New South Wales
.
.
December 13, 2017
Feel for ya matey,
my condolences.
Rob Scott,
Caboolture, Queensland
The Sydney Morning Herald 13 December 2017
May God Bless you Joy. Your kind heart, sense of humor and smiling face will be missed but is forever in our hearts.
Regards Leanne, Rad and the Markovic family of #11
Leanne Markovic
December 11, 2017 | Wetherill Park, NEW SOUTH WALES
RUSSELL
Stephen Edward
18th December, 2017
of Five Dock
Much loved father to Jason.
Loving brother to Jennifer, Leonard and Ronald.
Steve will be sadly missed by their extended families.
Aged 66 years
At Rest
The relatives and friends of Stephen are invited to attend his Funeral Service to be held at St Alban’s Anglican Church 171 Great North Road, Five Dock on FRIDAY (5th January 2018) appointed to commence at 2 pm.
Private Cremation
January 5, 2018
My Stevie Wonder,
It comes with heartfelt sadness to hear of you passing. We knew each other for 42 years many laughs, many oysters & prawns & lots of blood sweat & tears but that was our glue.
I miss your voice & naughtiness.
Happy Fishing Mate, get me a black fish.
Will take the good of you with me in this world.
Love you forever, Teenie Weenie Ballerineeeee
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Tina Wulliamson,
adelaide,
South Australia
Published in The Sydney Morning Herald on Dec. 30, 2017
JEFFRIES, Anthony [Tony].
22.03.1946 – 23.12.2017Dearly loved husband of Margaret. Loving and supportive father of Brett and David, father-in-law of Alexandra and Neleen.
Served his country and family with honour.
His works go unseen.
A Mass to Celebrate Tony’s Life will be held in its entirety at St Rose Catholic Church, 4 Rose Avenue Collaroy Plateau, Thursday, 4th January 2018 at 10.30am.
Published in The Sydney Morning Herald on Dec. 30, 2017
A report into the strike force that investigated Sydney’s Cronulla riot and reprisal attacks has highlighted a breakdown in communications among the police involved.
The 33-page report, compiled by former senior officersRon Sorrenson and Tony Jeffries, was released today by NSW police.
It looks at the management of Strike Force Enoggera, established to investigate the December 11 riot and subsequent retaliatory attacks.
It investigated why Police Commissioner Ken Moroney was not told of the existence of video footage of a man being bashed by a gang of Middle Eastern youths on the night following the riot.
Following the reported oversight, Mr Moroney removed Acting Superintendent Dennis Bray as the head of the strike force.
He was later reinstated under Supt Ken McKay after detectives threatened industrial action.
The report said the “unintentional omission” to advise the commissioner of the video was the most significant breakdown in communications.
“Whilst this omission was not as a result of the actions of any one person or an attempt to deliberately mislead the commissioner, it highlighted a deficiency in the system,” the report said.
Mr Moroney, in a statement accompanying the report, said all its nine recommendations were accepted.
He said a “business case” will be made to the NSW government relating to the capturing and cataloguing of photographic images.
However, he noted the methodology adopted by Strike Force Enoggera was successful, leading to the arrest and charging of 103 offenders – 51 in relation to the riot and 52 for the revenge attacks.
“Strike Force Enoggera was successful in that regard, however we will investigate what technologies are available to enhance our capacity to collate and process large volumes of visual data,” he said.
Mr Moroney also today released a report into a complaint alleging NSW police failed to respond to an assault on Mr Jasen (Jasen) Greeks during Sydney’s Macquarie Field riot.
The police investigation was oversighted by the ombudsman’s office.
Mr Moroney said an apology was sent to Mr Greeks in early September.
Ombudsman Bruce Barbour today said the original internal police investigation into the Greeks matter had been deficient and had “not covered areas that should have been covered”.
“Finally when they (police) went back and looked at the matter again at our urging, they ultimately agreed with our view about the matters,” Mr Barbour told reporters.
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 25 February 1974
Senior Constable – appointed 25 February 1983
( as of the 1989 Stud Book – Sue had passed her Sgt 3/c exam )
Detective Sergeant
Stations: ?, National Crime Authority ( N.C.A. ), Marrickville, Newtown Detectives, Drug Special Forces Unit ( D.S.F.U. ) from 1974, Petersham – Retirement
Service: From 14 January 1974to 1 October 1997= 23+years Service
Awards: National Medal – granted28 May 1990
Born: 27 November 1949
Died on: Thursday 21 December 2017
Age: 68
Cause: Heart attack
Event location: Goulburn shopping centre, ( Centro ), Auburn St, Goulburn, NSW
Event date: Thursday 21 December 2017
Funeral date: Wednesday 10 January 2018 @ 10.15am
Funeral location: Northern Suburbs Crematorium, North Chapel, 199 Delhi Rd, North Ryde, NSW
Susan Lynette BRENNAN
aka Twiggy & Olive Oil
Class 138 of Feb 1974 – 30th Class Reunion
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial located at: ?
SUE is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
Funeral location: [codepeople-post-map]
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
BACK ROW: ( L – R ) Steve COLEMAN # 16303, Peter RACKLEY # 16113, Peter STARLING # 16173, Peter JOHNSON # 16180, Harry BAKER # 16055, Noel RADBURN # 16167, Don COLQUHOUN # 16252 MIDDLE ROW: George MANERA # 16109, Sam NICHOLSON # 16282, Colin CROSSLAND # 16267, Paul McKAY # 16231, Steve MAWSON # 16163, Stephen DAVIES # 16137, Ross EMERSON # 15904 FRONT ROW: Robert DREW # 16134, Sue BRENNAN # P/W 190, Roger FORD # 11545 ( Instructor ), Kevin JOHNSON # 7887 ( Director ), Peter MOFFATT # 8171 ( Instructor ), Geoffrey JENKINS # 16130, Hank KIRCH # 16011
Sue – demonstrating one of her skills with the bonsai
Presentation Photo: Sue Brennan standing in for Colin Hugo at the Presentation.
Flash Flanagan was a rough and ready Policeman who worked at Fairfield and Liverpool Police, on General Duties, before his Resignation in February 1982.
Flash was diagnosed with Liver & Kidney cancer one month prior to his passing. The Cancer was aggressive and quick. He was in palliative care when he passed.
Lenny was a real ‘old school’ cop, who never took a backward step from anyone.
After Resigning, he took on a pub in Port Douglas, Qld, for a few years after which he was selling real estate at Mossman, Qld, up to at least two years prior to his death.
He was a colourful guy who loved boxing and was very popular with all the new blokes arriving at # 2 Division ( Regent St ).
Check back regularly for updates upon the funeral date.
Cal
Lloyd Bruce DUNCAN
14/01/2019
Lloyd Bruce DUNCAN
Late of ?
New South Wales Police Force
[alert_yellow]Regd. # 8732[/alert_yellow]
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 10 June 1957
Constable 1st Class – appointed 27 June 1963
Senior Constable – appointed 27 June 1968
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 7 June 1973 – Seniority date was 1 June 1973
Final Rank = Sergeant 1st Class
Stations: ?
Service: From? ? pre June 1957? to? ? ? = ? years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: Thursday 17 April 1930
Died on: Thursday 26 October 2017 during the morning
Age: 87
Cause: ?
Event location: John Flynn Hospital, Tugan, Qld
Event date: ?
Funeral date: ? ? ?
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial located at: ?
[alert_yellow]Lloyd is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
Funeral location: TBA
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
