Objectives
- Assess the prevalence of stress, hurnout, and psychological disorders among police personnel
- Identify structural gaps in mental health support within police organizations.
- Explore internal best practices in police mental health programs
- recommend a screening and referral framework tailored for Pakistans police system
Structure of the Cognitive Health Wellness School
- Study Population: Islamabad Capital Territory Police (approx. 12,000 personnel across 22 police stations).
- Sample Size: 200 police personnel (convenient sampling) from 5 police stations and the IG Office, CPC Islamabad.
Methadolody
- Cross-sectional survey using validated mental health assesment tools
- Key informant interviews with senior police officers and policymakers
- Comparative analysis with international police mental health models
Outcomes
- Establish evidence of mental health needs and service gaps
- Provided policy recommendations for routine screening, counselling services, and referral systems
- Developed a framework for integration into police training academies
- Advocated for mental health inclusion in national policing reforms
Budget (Research Phase: 12 Months)
- Data collection & surveys: PKR 300,000
- Workshops & stakeholdersconsultations: PKR 200,000
- Research staff & analysis: PKR 250,000
- Publication & Dissemination: PKR 250,000
Total Budget: 1,000,000 USD
The Police Mental Health Research Study was a pioneering academic and policy-oriented thesis titled: “Assessing the Need for Mental Health Screening and Referral Systems in Pakistan’s Police Structure: A Study for Policy and Practice Implications.”
This study was conducted by Uzma Mohib (MSPH, Health Services) as part of her thesis research, in collaboration with the Nigehban Social and Economic Development Foundation, Ministry of Interior, and relevant law enforcement stakeholders. The research study’s aim was to generate evidence-based recommendations for improving the mental health and well-being of police personnel in Pakistan.
Rationale
Police officers in Pakistan face chronic stress, exposure to violence, heavy workloads, and lack of psychosocial support, leading to burnout, depression, PTSD, and reduced service quality. Yet, there is no formal system for mental health screening, counseling, or referral within the police structure.