Police counselling unit sees 85 officers, six family members in six months

The counselling service unveiled in April provides psychological support to recruits, police officers and civilians working with the police department

85 police officers and six of their family members have made use of the Police Counselling Unit since April this year
85 police officers and six of their family members have made use of the Police Counselling Unit since April this year

A total of 91 members of the police force, and a number of relatives, have sought the services of the Police Counselling Unit since it was officially launched in April 2017.

Home affairs minister Michael Farrugia said in a reply to a parliamentary question that three inspectors, 30 sergeants, 49 constables, three persons receiving training and six family members of police officers have to date gone to the unit for help.

The main aim of the service is to prevent, alleviate and research reactions to stress in members of the Corps, he said (see table below for type of assistance provided).

Farrugia added that the unit provides psychological support to recruits, police officers and civilians working with the police department. It was formed to cater for their psycho-social development and wellbeing throughout their career. 

 

Help provided

Total cases

Emotional support

7

Stress management following an incident

38

Information

38

Referred to from outside the police corps

7

Counselling sessions

51