QUEZON City Police District Chief Guillermo Eleazar on Friday ordered mandatory stress debriefing and neuro-psychiatric tests on the local police force to determine if they are fit to conduct anti-drug operations and fit as gun holders.
The tests will start with those assigned to the drug enforcement units at Camp Karingal and the 12 police stations.
“There is a need for the QCPD to conduct stress debriefing and neuro-psychiatric tests for all its rank and file, but initially with those assigned with drug enforcement units,” Eleazar said.
“No doubt, the government’s policy to combat drugs has increased not only the workload of frontline policemen, but also the pace by which they move, work and operate. There is more challenge and pressure now versus the recent past,” he added.
The QC police just want to make sure that their personnel are given the chance to cope with any stress that they may be experiencing, Eleazar said.
He warned those who would be found unfit would be transferred.
“That’s why we have stress debriefing. On the other hand, the neuro-psychiatric tests will help ensure that we have well-poised and well- composed cops in the frontline,” he added.
“We are simply going back to basics here. The ordinary civilian has to take a neuro-psychiatric test to qualify as a licensed gun holder. Well, so does your policeman.”
The police concerned shall go through a series of tests, psychosocial profiling, stress and anger management, pharmacological management, and group dynamics/team building if the need arises.
“Those who will be deemed unfit after the tests could be relieved or reassigned. This is to give the public the peace of mind that their policemen are fit and capable of serving and protecting the people,” Eleazar said.