Image: Victoria Police.
Now that the police have a handy mobile app to help them through the daily stress of the job, everyone else will want one!
The pressure and anxiety that police officers feel can often go underappreciated by the general public, but the Victorian government has now given Victoria Police personnel access to a new mobile app designed to assist them in managing the challenges of police work and daily life.
The free-to-download app, called ‘equipt’, is completely confidential and features tools and support for all current and former police officers, PSOs, police employees and their families.
According to the government, the app can also be used to plan and implement a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
The Andrews Labor government, Victoria police and the Police Association made a joint investment of $300,000 to develop the equipt app, following expert medical advice, as well as close consultation with police personnel.
A release from the government said the launch builds on the important work underway following the Victoria Police Mental Health Review, released in May 2016, which called for ‘cultural change and improvements to mental health support services’ for police, PSOs and other employees.
The app is based on advice and strategies from renowned US behavioural scientist Dr Kevin Gilmartin, who has worked closely with Victoria Police personnel and The Police Association.
Users will also be able to identify whether they need additional support and can be linked to other appropriate services.
Victorian Minister for Police Lisa Neville said “we have to give our hardworking police, PSOs and other staff the support they need because the trauma of the job sometimes continues well after they have knocked off their shift.”
She said the Andrews Labor government, Victoria Police and The Police Association are working together to implement every recommendation from the Victoria Police Mental Health Review.
Secretary of The Police Association Ron Iddles said police and PSOs have a tough job – and at times they will need support and assistance to help deal with the pressures the job can bring.
“The equipt app is a tool that can help in those difficult times,” Mr Iddles said.
