Psychological tests for hundreds of police officers with off-duty weapons
The fatal attack by an active police officer in Limassol has brought firearms policy at the Police Service and proposals for psychological evaluation of Force members back into focus.
Psychological tests for hundreds of police officers with off-duty weapons
Following the recent incident in Limassol where an active Police Service member shot his partner and subsequently took his own life, the discussion has been reignited concerning mental health standards and the process of issuing firearms licences to uniformed personnel.
According to Politis, the matter is to be discussed in Parliament, and there are already proposals to strengthen checks. Nikos Loizidis, head of the Police Force Branch of the union "Equality", proposes that firearms re-certification should be carried out every three years instead of the five-year period currently in effect, accompanied by mandatory psychological assessment.
The current order regulating weapons transport and use licences came into force on 1 August 2024. It stipulates that the movement of service weapons to places and conditions that are not necessary should be avoided. To carry firearms, one is required to obtain a competency certificate demonstrating possession of the necessary knowledge for handling it.
The said certificate is renewed every five years by the director of the MMAD. However, the renewal process does not include examination of mental state, but focuses on operational competency and proper use of the weapon.
The majority of police officers carry weapons only during working hours. Some officers are authorised to keep weapons off-duty, either due to service in specialist units or when it is considered they face increased risk. Approvals are granted by the heads of services, based on relevant recommendation.
If any member of the Force fails the examination for obtaining a competency certificate, or if the certificate is suspended for any reason, the licence is revoked and the person is required to return the firearms, ammunition and equipment to the appropriate storage facility of their unit or county.
Source: Politis