Police officers in Cyprus undergo psychometric testing only when they join the force, not during the rest of their career, according to Nicos Loizides, president of the Police Corps Branch of the Isotita trade union.
Speaking to CNA in the wake of the attempted murder of a 46-year-old woman in Limassol on 30 June, in which the alleged suspect is her husband, a member of the police, Loizides said the current system should be reviewed.
He said psychometric tests are one of four stages in the recruitment process for police officers, alongside written examinations, physical tests and a drug test.
“The psychometric tests do not focus so much on each person’s mental health. They are mainly a personality test. This test is carried out for recruitment and not for the rest of an officer’s career,” he said.
Loizides said officers currently renew their certification to use a service weapon every five years. However, he noted that the procedure covers only technical knowledge and handling skills, without any psychological assessment.
He suggested that certification should instead be renewed every three years and include a short interview or assessment by police psychologists.
“This renewal could take place every three years instead of every five, with some form of interview at the same time, so that psychologists from the police human resources branch can identify any psychological overload or issue affecting the mental clarity of an officer,” he said.
Asked what procedures are currently in place when there are concerns that a police officer may be facing psychological difficulties, Loizides said there are three possible forms of intervention.
A supervisor may refer an officer to psychologists at the Human Resources Directorate if they believe the officer is experiencing psychological problems. Officers may also request a meeting with psychologists themselves if they feel they need support.
Loizides added that a service weapon may also be removed if an officer submits a medical certificate recommending that they should not carry one, whether for mental health reasons or another medical issue.
He also referred to a circular sent on 22 June by Senior Superintendent Ioannis Cheimonas of the Human Resources Directorate to all members of the police.
The circular reminded officers that the Human Resources Support Branch is in operation, with a mission to promote and restore the mental health of police members.
According to the circular, the branch is staffed by psychologists who provide psychoeducation on stress management, traumatic incidents, post-traumatic stress disorder, workplace stress and psychological resilience.
It also allows for confidential one-to-one meetings, either at the request of the officer or following referral by a supervisor, always with the officer’s consent. These meetings take place outside police premises and, according to the circular, are covered by full confidentiality and professional secrecy, with no record entered in the officer’s personal file.
The circular also calls on heads of services to encourage officers to use the available psychological support services, noting that removing the stigma around seeking help from a psychologist is essential to protecting officers’ mental health and addressing the impact of the nature of police work.
Source: CNA
