Report finds mental health crisis within Victorian police force

A new report has confirmed a mental health crisis within Victoria Police.

Hundreds of officers have taken leave for psychological issues since 1990, with 40 taking their own lives.

The Victoria Police Mental Health Review has made 39 recommendations, with Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton vowing to implement them all.

Some of the recommendations include educational and resilience programs, as well as an expanded psychology unit.

Police minister Lisa Neville said the force needed urgent help.

‘There is no question those police officers and those police staff on the front line are being more greatly affected by mental illness than the rest of the community and we have to support them,’ she said.