Police allege Ferntree Gully man Samandeep Singh, 26, drove through a red light at Boronia Road, Wantirna and crashed into the back of the woman's motorcycle on Thursday morning, trapping her underneath his truck.

The woman, First Constable D-Anne Deleo, died at the scene.

Mr Singh has been charged with culpable driving causing death and dangerous driving. He appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday.

Defence lawyer Chen Yang said a forensic medical officer diagnosed his client as having "suicidal ideation" after he was arrested. It was Mr Singh's first time in custody, he said.

Fairfax Media understands police have not yet interviewed Mr Singh, who will be re-assessed by a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse to determine whether he requires medication.

Mr Singh did not apply for bail. Magistrate Andrew McKenna remanded him to appear in court on May 4.

First Constable Deleo worked at Benalla for two-and-a-half years before a transfer to Fitzroy three months ago. She was aged in her 40s and lived in the eastern suburbs.

Benalla Acting Inspector Ash Mason said First Constable Deleo was a well-respected and valued general-duties member who was only at the beginning of her career.

"She had a huge career ahead of her and it's a huge loss," Acting Inspector Mason said.

"She just wanted to get in, do her job and do it really well."

Bruce McKenzie, assistant secretary of the Police Association, said the union was thinking of her family, and of the officers who had to attend the accident.

"One of our members has tragically lost her life simply by travelling to work. We have the greatest sympathy for her family at this time.

"We also feel for her police family and for her colleagues who attended yesterday morning's tragic scene. She had only been in the force for a relatively short time."

If you are troubled by this report or experiencing a personal crisis you can call Lifeline 131 114 or beyondblue 1300 224 636 or visit lifeline.org.au or beyondblue.org.au