Study aims for more resilient cops

They may wear the same uniform but the way police officers deal with encountering violence and crime can vary.

That's why NSW Police has announced a million-dollar study aimed at helping officers become more resilient, with a focus on preventing mental illness.

The three-year study will be led by researchers at the Australian Catholic University and University of Western Sydney.

Officers from all ranks, as well as family members, will be interviewed to provide an overview on how the force deals with stress and trauma.

NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione says the study will set an international benchmark on tackling mental health issues in the force, such as post-traumatic stress disorder.

"At the one job, one officer can break down and suffer very badly and another doesn't - why?

"What makes one person more resilient than another?" he said on Tuesday.

"It's not about making people well, it's about stopping them getting sick."