As crime and violence in Jamaica increases, our understaffed, overworked security force and Government struggle with the task of finding solutions for peace.

Success in crime fighting, however, depends heavily on the psychological state of our police. For far too long, the stress that they experience has been ignored. It is known universally that police work is among the most stressful. The practice of ineffective management of this stress has given rise to a constellation of syndromes summarised as depression.

Many stressed-out or depressed police turn to the excessive use of alcohol to mask their problems as some create a 'fantasy mind' by having extramarital relationships just to escape their problems. This masking effect, however, is short-lived. As depression sets in, many cops change their behaviour drastically on and off their job. At home, emotional changes range from quietness to rage, hostility and jealousy. Spouses often complain of excessive gambling.

Communication problems

Communication frequently breaks down in their families; some prefer not to go home; and, some family members likewise want them to stay away.

Absenteeism, supported by regular, unexplained 'sick leave', poor work performance, temper tantrums and excessive use of force are features of a depressed police force, which seems to go unnoticed by our police administration, or is inadequately dealt with. An increase in petty crimes, such as bribery, is linked to depression.

Depression within the police force is also common among those who are abruptly transferred, especially when it is associated with thoughts of unfair treatment (worse, victimisation) and displacement of the family unit.

Recently, many doctors here have agreed that anxiety and depression occur frequently pre- and post-promotion announcement.

Interestingly, the 'politics in the police' was given as a major concern within the force, which contributes largely to depression on the job.

The problem of depression within the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is real but can be managed successfully. There needs to be a more aggressive educational programme which would help station police officers detect early signs of depression and other psychiatric ailments among their peers. Such programmes should be introduced in early training as this would assist them in managing cases that arise from such mental disorders commonly found. There have been reported cases of attempted suicide by police personnel in the latter stage of degenerative depression.

devastating impact

Depression, a serious but treatable mental illness, can have a devastating impact on the lives of our police and the people they have sworn to serve and protect. A complete psychological evaluation by a psychiatrist or psychologist on all successful applicants to the JCF must, therefore, be mandatory. As alcohol abuse is a related psychiatric disorder, random screening for alcohol blood levels should be done among this group.

Should our police stations then be allowed to accommodate bars? If the bars serve as a vehicle to mask depression, let's see their true faces. Remove the bars from police stations and treat depressed police personnel urgently. What is needed for our stressed-out, depressed policemen and women is not sympathy or a drink with them at the bar, but medical treatment.

I am, etc.,

Dr RAYMOTH NOTICE

Councillor

Bog Walk Division

St Catherine