psychological evaluation — psychological evaluation — The police union Isotita is calling for regular psychological reevaluation of officers, emphasising the importance of mental health in law enforcement. President Nikos Loizides made these remarks on Friday, highlighting the need for psychological tests to accompany the renewal of service weapon certifications.
Psychological evaluation: Calls for Change Following a Violent Incident
Loizides’ comments come in the wake of a serious incident where a 46-year-old woman was shot multiple times by her husband, a police officer, on Tuesday. The woman remains in the hospital in a “critical but stable” condition, drawing attention to the potential implications of mental health issues among officers.
Current Evaluation Practices Under Scrutiny
Loizides explained that psychological tests currently conducted during the recruitment process primarily assess personality traits rather than ongoing mental health. “Psychological tests do not examine the mental health of each person so much, but are mainly a personality test,” he stated. Officers are only evaluated once at the start of their careers, which raises concerns about their mental well-being as they continue in their roles.
Renewal of Weapon Certifications Lacks Psychological Assessment
Every five years, police officers must renew their service weapon certifications, but this process focuses solely on technical skills rather than psychological readiness. Loizides proposed that these renewals should be conducted every three years and include an interview with a psychologist to assess any potential psychological overload or concerns regarding mental clarity.
Interventions for Mental Health Issues
When asked about existing procedures for officers showing signs of mental health issues, Loizides outlined three main interventions. Firstly, a supervisor can refer an officer to the psychologists of the police’s human resources department. Secondly, officers have the option to seek mental health support voluntarily.
Additionally, officers can have their service weapons withdrawn if a medical certificate indicates they should not possess a weapon due to medical or mental health issues. This measure aims to safeguard both the officers and the community.
Promoting Mental Health Resources
Loizides noted that a circular was distributed to all police members on June 22, promoting the mental health support services available through the human resources branch. These services include psychoeducation on topics such as stress management and post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as support for other traumatic events.
The police also offer confidential personal meetings outside the police premises, ensuring full confidentiality for officers seeking assistance. These initiatives aim to create a supportive environment where officers can address their mental health needs without stigma.
