WEST Australian police are investigating the death of an officer at a station in Perth, which has been temporarily closed.

Police say it appears First Class Constable Darren Igglesden, 50, died as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at Cockburn Police Station around 6am on Monday.

“At this time, there do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances,” Commissioner Chris Dawson told reporters on Monday.

He said Const Igglesden was single, and his parents and siblings, who all live in WA, have been informed.

He joined the force at age 44 following a varied employment history.

After graduating from the police academy, he was deployed to traffic enforcement, then stationed at Fremantle before being transferred to nearby Cockburn.

“He’s had a very respected time as a police officer for the past six-and-a-half years, and he’ll be missed,” Mr Dawson said.

He said Const Igglesden’s death came as a complete shock to his colleagues, who were being offered support.

“Policing is a stressful job and they encounter situations that other members of our community don’t encounter,” the commissioner said.

“Out of every tragedy we learn as much as we can to offer more services.”

Police Minister Michelle Roberts said there was so far no indication Const Igglesden had shown warning signs.

“Maybe as part of the coronial inquest, we’ll learn more about that,” she said.

It’s the third case of a WA police officer taking their life on the job in the past 10 years.

In July 2015, Detective Sergeant Scott Blanchard shot himself while travelling with workmates to Kalgoorlie for a police operation involving Gypsy Joker bikies.

In December 2008, Senior Sergeant Elliot Watt shot himself in the armoury of the Collie Police Station on his first day back at work after three weeks of annual leave.

WA Police Union president George Tilbury said the scope of support services for officers had improved in recent years.

“Our members, when they are in need, should ask for assistance,” Mr Tilbury said.

“And if their colleagues, family or friends in particular notice any signs, they should actually go to those appropriate services and ensure they get the assistance that they need.”

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