The Queensland Police Union has partnered with the Queensland Police Service to develop vital mental health strategies for officers.

With rates of PTSD and other conditions high amongst police, a strategy called Our People Matter is being developed.

Officers and their families are being asked about their own requirements for psychological wellbeing – something the union says has not happened before - to help form a strategy based on their feedback.

“I am gratified that important steps are being taken in the interests of better mental health and wellbeing for our officers, and I know the involvement and work of reputable people and organisations will help improve the issues of PTSD and mental health for our officers,” Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers said.

“I often speak to those police who call me in the middle of the night, and I always ask them if they’re OK. It just gives them the opportunity to talk to someone,” he said.

The Police Union also hosts regular lectures by Dr Kevin Gilmartin, a behavioural scientist specialising in emotional survival for law enforcers.

Additionally, the union is involved in the National Mental Health and Wellbeing Study of Police and Emergency Services being undertaken by beyondblue.

The study is designed to identify baseline measures of mental health conditions and risk and protective factors, so that practical actions to improve mental health and wellbeing in officers can be taken.