Limassol, Cyprus. The vice-president of the Cyprus Psychologists’ Association, Stella Katsari, has called for a formal framework for the continuous assessment of police officers, particularly regarding the possession and renewal of firearm permits. She made the comments following a recent shooting in Limassol in which a police officer critically wounded his wife with his service weapon before taking his own life.
Call for continuous assessment
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, Katsari said psychometric testing within the police force is currently carried out only at the recruitment stage.
She said the state has an obligation to establish a clear framework for the continuous assessment and support of police officers, particularly in relation to the possession and renewal of the right to carry firearms.
Katsari described such a process as a necessary mechanism for prevention, strengthening professional competence and ensuring institutional accountability.
Support for officers
Katsari said systematic individual and group psychological support was particularly important for police departments that come into contact with vulnerable populations or are regularly exposed to traumatic incidents and distressing material.
She said that increased support for professionals strengthens their professional competence, quality of decision-making and protection, both for themselves and for citizens.
Provision of services
Katsari added that such services should be provided by professionals registered in the Register of Registered Psychologists, as provided for under current legislation, to ensure a clear ethical and institutional framework of responsibility.