Police to undergo counselling to deal with trauma

The National Police Service is in the process of setting up counselling centers for police officers across the country to help manage trauma related cases.

NPS Head of Medical Service Dr. John Kibosia says police officers face a lot of psychological torture in their line of duty and there is need to introduce counselling services.

Dr. Kibosia gave an example of the Salgaa accidents which he said traumatised many officers due to lack of counselling.

“If the trauma is not contained in a proper way, the subjects tend to clog their minds by engaging in inhumane acts like suicide, drug abuse and family struggles,” he said.

The move to set up counselling centers is aimed at providing psychological counseling services is meant to encourage a good working condition and a conducive environment.

His counterpart in charge of wellness at the service Dr. David Kaberia, said that many police officers involved in handling accident cases lack knowledge on how to handle bodies.

“If not trained and debriefed regularly, the officers will end up having accumulated trauma which might later turn tragic in their lives, family or even at the work place,” added Dr. Kaberia.

He was speaking during a workshop with officers from Nakuru County. The session saw more than 150 officers  narrate their traumatic experiences they have faced in the line of work.

Dr. Kibosia said Nakuru County is leading with the highest number of officers dealing with trauma following a series of accidents.