Victorian cops with a "suck it up" attitude to colleagues struggling with mental health will be straightened up quickly under the current police chief's watch.
Police reported bad management, high workloads and a culture of repressing emotional problems to an independent mental health review released on Tuesday.
"My very first job was the death of a child. My sergeant moved the box of tissues away from me and told me that I needed to suck it up," one sergeant told the review.
Another said two officers talking about the very recent suicide of a colleague were told by a sergeant who walked past them: "Do you want to be f***ing social workers or police officers"?
Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton says he's seen the "suck it up" culture in the past - and it won't be happening under his watch.
"I'd be straightening them up pretty quick," Mr Ashton told reporters on Tuesday.
Victoria Police will adopt all 39 recommendations in the "watershed" review of officers' mental health, he said.
Police Association of Victoria secretary Ron Iddles said officers have been reluctant to talk about mental health for fear of damaging their careers.
"I know there are many members who are out there suffering silently," Mr Iddles told reporters.
"The challenge for management is to inspire trust in the membership to come forward."
Responses to the review include implementing a mental health literacy program to improve understanding and reduce the stigma of mental health across Victoria Police.
Managers will be trained to increase their accountability for the welfare of employees.
Mr Iddles said managers needed to realise people with mental health leave could still contribute when they return.
"We have soldiers who go back to war on a mental health plan," he said.
* Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.
