Mental Health Project's Acting Inspector Phil Nash said police saw the effects of mental illness every day.

"Responding appropriately to the needs of people with, or affected by, mental disorder is a complex and demanding aspect of policing," he said.

In 2006-07, Victoria Police commissioned research into issues surrounding policing and mental health, and the Victorian Department of Justice committed to developing a mental health strategy.

A project team identified what was working well, what needed to change, and gaps in information, knowledge, responses and partnerships.

Acting Inspector Nash said this followed consultations with more than 170 specialist police and 40 external agencies, a community survey and a review of other policing models.

"We found police had a good foundation on which to build and identified a clear interest among many police to learn more about recognising and responding to the needs of people with a mental disorder."

Acting Inspector Nash said police recruits would be required to take part in mandatory training on mental health issues, and police would also receive specialist training in operational safety and tactics.

"We recognised the value in providing more in-depth, on-demand training to meet specific needs and started mental health first aid to increase knowledge, raise awareness, reduce stigma and increase the capacity for early intervention and supportive actions."

The first aid course will cover depression, bipolar mood disorders, suicide, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychosis and substance-use disorders.

Ten accredited Victoria Police staff will deliver the two-day course to officers around the state.

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