Punjab orders province-wide mental health screening for police personnel

Stresses that mandate is for addressing stress-related concerns

PUNJAB/ PAKISTAN:

Punjab Police has announced a mandatory mental and physical health screening programme for all ranks amid rising concerns over stress-related conditions within the force.

According to an official circular issued by the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Establishment Punjab-I titled "Psychological Profiling for All Cadres," police officers and frontline personnel are increasingly exposed to high-pressure environments, including long duty hours and frequent encounters with criminal elements.

The letter states that additional administrative, social, economic and political factors place further strain on officers, leaving them vulnerable to a range of mental and physical health problems.

It warns that continuous exposure to such conditions may increase the risk of schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder and other mental-health disorders. In response, the police department has announced a structured screening campaign that will cover all ranks, from constables to senior officers.

Under the new policy, screening will be mandatory across all districts and units. Senior officers will supervise assessments for Inspectors, Sub-Inspectors, Deputy Superintendents of Police, Superintendents of Police, DIGs and other higher cadres.

Unit heads have been instructed to conduct individual interviews with their personnel and document any signs of mental-health concern.

Cases requiring further examination will be referred to psychiatrists at district hospitals. District police heads have been directed to coordinate with the Medical Superintendents of District Headquarters Hospitals to ensure timely evaluation and clinical follow-up.

The circular stresses that all screening reports will be kept strictly confidential and used solely for professional development and organisational improvement. Comprehensive reports from across Punjab are required to be submitted to the Central Police Office by December 15.