A senior constable and loving mum who shot herself inside a police station had failed her firearms exam earlier that day.
Kym Slade, 48, died just after midday on Thursday, July 20, at Loganholme Police Station, south of Brisbane, after a police-issued gun was discharged.
Queensland Police issued a statement confirming Constable Slade died under ‘non-suspicious circumstances’.
However, a source told Daily Mail Australia the police officer took her own life shortly after learning she had not passed her annual firearms test.
Furthermore, a colleague said ‘most people, including management knew she was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression’ from her time in the force, but alleged that nothing was done to address the issues.
‘They put a square peg into a round hole, causing her brain to explode, but that’s what the Queensland Police Service does – they don’t care about accolades, only pushing “problem” people from one s**tty place to another,’ they said.
‘In this case, they pushed too hard on a wonderful, kind, compassionate woman who would give the shirt off her back.’
The colleague said Constable Slade had a ‘heart of pure gold’ and would often bring baked slices and gifts for people to work ‘just because’.
Senior Constable Kym Slade, 48, died at Loganholme Police Station at about midday on July 20
Senior Constable Kym Slade, 48, died after she shot herself with a firearm at the Loganholme Police Station, south of Brisbane, a Queensland Police Service statement said
In the days after Constable Slade’s death, colleagues flooded social media with tributes to the ‘kind’ and ‘caring’ woman – along with similar criticisms about the treatment she received during her 15 years in the force.
One person wrote: ‘Another casualty of the QPS… tortured at comms and unsupported everywhere she went. What a waste of a lovely person.
‘It just goes to show that no one matters when employed by the QPS.’
Another said: ‘QPS have a lot to answer for.’
A third person commented: ‘Our people matter – yeah right!’
A fourth replied: ‘She obviously felt unsupported by those that should’ve had her back.’
Queensland Police were contacted for comment, but a spokesman from the media unit refused to answer questions. He said he did not understand why Constable Slade’s death was a matter of public interest.
He also claimed there was nothing different or unusual about a senior officer taking her own life in her workplace in the middle of the day, or about her colleagues appearing to blame the Queensland Police Service for her death.
He then remarked it was ‘ghoulish’ to continue making inquires.
Colleagues flooded social media with comments after Constable Slade died on Thursday (pictured)
Another spokesperson confirmed an investigation into the situation was launched by the Ethical Standards Command, with oversight by the Crime and Corruption Commissioner.
While some colleagues were critical of the QPS online, others wrote about Constable Slade’s career highlights – including one who graduated from the police academy with her in 2007.
The officer wrote: ‘When we walked into those academy gates on December 3, 2007, never did any of us think that one day we’d have to say goodbye to one of our squad mates like this.
‘So heartbroken that your beautiful soul is no longer with us. May you now rest in peace. Forever in the hearts of Squad 395.’
Others remembered Senior Constable Slade as a ‘beautiful soul’ and were saddened by the fact her life had ended so abruptly.
Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll confirmed the sad news in an email to staff on Thursday evening.
Police colleagues lay flowers at Loganholme Police Station where Senior Constable Slade died about midday on July 21
Floral tributes piled up outside the station – many of them laid by police force colleagues past and present
‘Just after midday today, Senior Constable Slade died following the discharge of a police issued firearm at Loganholme Police Station,’ Commissioner Carroll said.
‘I know you will all join me by keeping Kym’s family, friends and colleagues in your thoughts at this extremely difficult time.
‘I would also like to sincerely thank the police and first responders who assisted at the scene, my thoughts are also with you all.
‘The coming days will be incredibly difficult for our organisation, so I urge you all to look out for each other.’
Commissioner Carroll said the QPS had made support options available for officers and that psychologists, social workers, police chaplains and peer support officers were available.
‘To all our members, I mourn with you tonight,’ she said. ‘With Honour She Served.’
Community members placed flowers outside the police station as a tribute.
Friends, family and colleagues of the officer have been offered support by the QPS in the wake of the tragedy.
For confidential crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
