PTSD Police Officers in Australia Betrayed by Bosses

Police officers suffering PTSD slam treatment by employer
New Castle Herald
Lisa Allan
10 Oct 2016

Adam is one of four Hunter Region police officers suffering post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who have spoken out about their treatment by the NSW Police Force and insurance agencies.

FOR former Hunter police officer Adam*, it is difficult to pinpoint where his troubles began. It was not a single job, or one bad shift, that pushed him over the edge and into the abyss of post-traumatic stress disorder.

What Adam does recall clearly from his 12 years of service in forensics, general duties and child protection is a lack of meaningful support when it was needed most.

“I was involved in three murders in six months and not one debrief,” he said. “He died straight in front of me, I tried to save him and I couldn’t,” he said. “Two weeks later, I was offered a debrief. All they do is tick the boxes.”

Adam’s illness has cost him. He lost his job and his partner. He left the force in 2013 and has been in and out of hospital as he fights the anger raging in his head. During that time, he has also been fighting another battle, with insurance agencies, in a bid to keep food on the table.

His wife left two years ago and he is raising two children alone on a $1200-a-fortnight workers’ compensation payment.
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