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Cops need counselling to deal with stress - Psychologist

Published:Wednesday | April 30, 2014 | 12:00 AM
Linda Pennicooke (right) of the Kiwanis Club of New Kingston quizzes Dr Barry Davidson (left), marriage and family therapist and CEO, Family Life Ministries, on some of his findings during the Kiwanis Club of New Kingston's seminar targeting correctional officers working in the Corporate Area. Looking on are Ansell Thompson (second right), correctional officer; Pamela Lowe (centre), public relations director, Kiwanis Club of New Kingston; and Sharon Gibson (second left), correctional officer. The seminar was held at the Correctional Services office in Kingston last week Wednesday. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Jodi-Ann Gilpin, Gleaner Writer

NOTED PSYCHOLOGIST and chief executive officer of Family Life Ministries, Dr Barry Davidson, has said that more mechanisms should be put in place in ensuring that members of the security forces live a balanced life and find effective ways of dealing with stress.

Speaking at a seminar targeting correctional officers that was hosted by the Kiwanis Club of New Kingston last week Wednesday, Davidson said it is imperative that effort is made in helping the society to see the importance of family life.

He was also making reference to recent incidents involving two police constables who committed suicide after encountering family disputes.

"In our society, we have a lot of what we call successful failures. They are excellent when it comes to their careers, but total failures in their families," Davidson lamented, while speaking with The Gleaner at the Correctional Services Area Office, in downtown Kingston.

"I would urge our leaders to not only think of your officers as workers, but think of them as family members and assist them in developing a balanced life," he said.

Davidson added: "An employer should care enough about their staff, that they put mechanisms in place that will help them to be as successful with family life as they are with their jobs."

He also said more needs to be done outside of the force to provide professional help for police personnel.

"There have to be other opportunities provided to get help outside of chaplaincy, whether it's from private practitioners or other counselling agencies. Sometimes, police officers are weary to go in-house to seek help because it can affect them getting a promotion, among other factors," he said.

"Our officers work under severe stress, and they will either run away from it, or they might opt for the fight response, and many times, the frustration is taken out on the persons closest to them," said the family therapist.

He added, "The family members ought to make it their duty as well to detect problems that might be happening with their spouses and get help."

jodi-ann.gilpin@gleanerjm.com