PNP eyes neuropsychiatric tests for cops every 3 years

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar gestures as he delivers his speech during his first Flag Raising and Assumption of Office as the 26th Chief of PNP in Camp Crame, Quezon City, on Monday, May 10, 2021. INQUIRER file photo / Niño Jesus Orbeta

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is looking at conducting neuropsychiatric (NP) tests on police officers every three years as part of measures to monitor their mental and emotional stability, national police chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said Thursday.

“Ngayon kasi ang NP test natin, sa recruitment lang, requirements of promotion, requirement din sa mandatory schooling natin. Ngayon, we are contemplating na gawing every three years, may mandatory [test] tayo,” Eleazar told ANC’s Headstart.

(Now, our NP tests are only for recruitments, requirements for promotion, and mandatory schooling. Now, we are contemplating having mandatory [test] every three years.)

The PNP chief said he recently discussed the initiative with the director of the PNP Health Service.

He also said that the proposal is based on the Armed Forces of the Philippines ’ (AFP) re-enlistment process where soldiers are required to undergo NP tests every three years.

Eleazar bared the proposal when asked about possible measures to control the drinking habits of police officers.

To recall, Eleazar has ordered the immediate filing of criminal and administrative cases against Police Master Sergeant Hensie Zinampan, who shot a 52-year-old woman in Quezon City. Investigators earlier said Zinampan was drunk during the incident.

Eleazar added that the PNP is also pushing for the “Bantay Kaisipan” program where the mental and emotional stability of officers will be monitored.

The PNP chief added that a medical plaza and an improved health service are being proposed. The project will be led by a two-star general and at least seven one-star generals.

“Papalakasin natin ang role nila para sa aming mental and emotional requirements and need which is napakahalaga being police officers and law enforcers,” Eleazar said.

(We will strengthen their roles for our mental and emotional requirements and needs, which is very important for police officers and law enforcers.) Faith Yuen Wei Ragasa, Inquirer trainee

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