Police widows want suicide recognised

Families of NSW police officers who have taken their own lives are fighting to have their loved ones honoured just like others who have died in the line of duty.

A group of women who attended the annual police commemoration say they want their men added to the 252 names already engraved on the NSW Police Wall of Remembrance in Sydney's Domain.

Kimberley Galvin, whose husband took his life in 2013, said Tuesday's memorial service was difficult for her because suicide was "completely overlooked".

Deborah Bryant, who lost her husband in December 2013, said a new memorial wall containing the names of officers and civilians who died after leaving the force - including those who took their own lives - that opened in Sydney this month was not enough.

"We feel that our husbands and loved ones deserve to be on the official wall of remembrance because we honestly believe that they died in the line of duty," she said.

Clare Heiss, whose brother took his life while on duty, has lobbied the Police Commissioner for six years but says she has received only two replies, to the effect of "it's not going to happen".

Sharan Nicholson-Rogers lost her husband in 1996 after he suffered post-traumatic stress disorder. "He was just completely ignored and we begged for help," she said.

"I was actually told by one police psychologist to go home and cook him a good meal. After talking to some of the police in the job today, nothing much has changed.

"It's just about getting recognition that our men suffered and died because of the job."

NSW Police Legacy chairman, Senior Sergeant Paul Bousfield, said he did not hold a view on whether officers who took their own lives should be listed on the Wall of Remembrance.

NSW Police said there were long-standing national guidelines about the recognition of officers who have died on duty.

* Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467