Michael Deutrom was a long-serving and committed member of the NT Police Force. Tragically, after months of pressure during his last deployment to Kintore, he ended his own life in April 2022. At 44 years old, he had devoted years to general duties policing in Darwin before seeking a change in environment. He was dead set on serving and moved to Kintore thinking it would be an easier load. Rather, he was confronted by a community crisis that severely impacted his mental health.
As he spent his final days in Kintore, Deutrom managed a major unrest with over 100 people. This situation unfolded amid unprecedented surges of violence and disorder that have all intensified pressures on police resources stemming directly from the COVID-19 pandemic. As his brother Tony recalled on the first anniversary of Michael’s death, Michael was devastated and frustrated. Without the support and resources necessary, it became increasingly difficult for him to meet the expectations of his role.
Deutrom’s battle soon manifested itself in diary-like personal reflections that he began to record. In a note found after his tragic suicide, he wrote simply, “I can no longer wage war within my soul.” This heartbreaking admission perfectly illustrates the devastating emotional crisis he experienced. Just eight days before his death, he had vocally committed to the police code of “service above self.”
A Demanding Environment
Michael Deutrom’s path to Kintore began on the first day of May 2021. He had applied for a two-year posting, looking forward to a quieter life, far from the hustle and bustle of the vibrant city of Darwin. That was very much not the case.
Once in Kintore, he had to contend with the realities of living in a town shaken by displacement and turmoil. As fellow officer Tanya Rutherford observed, when the community was peaceful there were less work to go to. When tensions were at their highest, the expectations for officers shot up exponentially.
“When the community was a bit on edge or disruptive, there would be jobs that would go on for weeks,” – Tanya Rutherford
The unrelenting firehose pressure and resource deficit started to wear on them. Deutrom’s work responsibilities would quickly ramp up. He would continue to get calls from constituents on his personal cell phone, even after hours and off duty. This scenario was characterized as “exhausting,” “frustrating” and “triggering” by individuals that observed the toll it took on him.
The Impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic amplified the dangers and anxieties that police officers—and Deutrom himself—were facing. He found himself stretched thin as he navigated both regular policing duties and the heightened expectations brought on by the pandemic response. His brother Tony recalled that the source of Michael’s anger was an acute awareness of these burdens that left him feeling totally besieged.
Stephanie Stotler, a psychologist involved in discussions around police mental health, acknowledged the need for better support systems for officers deployed to remote areas. She stressed the need for psychological screenings before deployment. These types of evaluations can go a long way in properly preparing officers for the difficult situations they may face.
“I imagine we would need an additional clinician allocated for psychometric assessments,” – Stephanie Stotler
Over his four years spent in Kintore, Deutrom’s mental health suffered immensely. This drop in income required him to go on personal leave just three months before his passing. He died at his parents’ house in Adelaide. There, he experienced a reprieve from the responsibilities and pressures of being a cop.
The Inquest into His Death
The inquest into Michael Deutrom’s death has raised critical issues regarding the mental health support available to police officers in remote postings. It has come to light that NT police officers are not routinely subjected to psychological assessments before being assigned to these challenging environments.
Judge Elisabeth Armitage is presiding over the still-ongoing inquest. It will pick up again in late August for additional testimony and evidence gathering. This important opening query provokes helpful reflections. These lessons can lead to a sea change in how police departments help their officers maintain good mental health.
“I think there’s a lot of value in that being part of the process of officers going remote,” – Peter Kennon
Authorities have started investigating the circumstances of Deutrom’s death. It’s important to understand how these systemic changes could more effectively protect the officers who find themselves in shocking, unanticipated hazards as well. There is still a critical need for a deeper investment in officer mental health support across law enforcement agencies.
