Haitian psychologists call for mental health support for police

Psychologists are calling for urgent mental health support for officers of the Haitian National Police (PNH) due to the extreme stress and trauma caused by the country's ongoing insecurity. Pascal Néry Jean-Charles, vice-president of the Haitian Psychology Association, noted that officers frequently face life-threatening situations and traumatic scenes while confronting armed groups.

The need for intervention follows several recent tragedies, including the suspicious deaths of two officers in July and an incident on October 3 where a policeman killed his family before taking his own life. Experts highlight that many officers hesitate to seek help due to the fear of being judged or perceived as weak.

Jean-Charles is advocating for the state to implement concrete measures, such as creating or strengthening accessible psychological support units. Improving mental health services is described as essential not only for the well-being of individual officers but also for public safety and the overall effectiveness of the police force.