The public discussion surrounding police firearm policies and officers’ mental health assessments has intensified following the tragedy in Zakaki, prompting renewed debate over existing procedures and safeguards.
Speaking on the programme Protoselido, former Deputy Chief of Police Dimitris Demetriou clarified that possession of a service weapon requires a competency certificate linked solely to training and proper weapon handling, rather than any psychological assessment of the officer.
The Police firearm rules issue has moved into focus following concerns raised over how officers are evaluated before carrying weapons.
Service weapon certification process
Demetriou explained that every police officer authorised to carry a service weapon must complete specialised training and successfully pass both theoretical and practical examinations.
The certificate issued remains valid for five years and authorities can suspend it at any time if circumstances emerge that no longer justify continued weapon possession.
He added that not all officers carry service firearms, as there are three separate categories governing weapon allocation.
The first involves temporary weapon assignment during specific duties such as patrols and guard operations, with officers returning the weapon after completing their shift.
The second applies to officers serving in operational and specialised units, including rapid response and tactical divisions, where duties require permanent access to firearms.
The third category concerns officers whose personal security requires firearm possession because of serious threats linked to their work.
Mental health assessments explained
Addressing questions regarding psychometric testing after recruitment, Demetriou said psychometric examinations introduced during recruitment procedures in 2017 do not assess candidates’ mental health.
Instead, he explained that the tests evaluate cognitive and intellectual skills to identify the most suitable applicants from large numbers of candidates.
He also stressed that personality assessments represent a different process and would require continuous monitoring and evaluation to provide meaningful results.
Demetriou noted that the Police maintain a psychological support service that officers may approach when facing personal difficulties or severe work-related stress.
Concerns over possible policy gaps
Regarding mental health oversight, Demetriou stated that if police leadership receives information or identifies signs suggesting an officer’s psychological or mental condition may affect their ability to carry a firearm, the responsible police director has the authority to suspend the firearm competency certificate.
He explained that such information may come from members of the public, internal reports or observations made by relevant officials.
Demetriou reiterated that the competency certificate concerns training, handling procedures and shooting ability only. Officers undergo annual firearms training, while certificate renewals take place every five years without including mental health evaluations.
Asked whether a legal or institutional gap exists regarding periodic psychological suitability assessments for weapon holders, he said the matter “may require further study” to identify more effective approaches.
He also noted that civilians seeking permits to possess and transport pistols or revolvers must submit medical certificates confirming both physical and mental suitability, with permit duration varying from six months to two years depending on individual circumstances.
Also read: Tragedy in Zakaki: 46-year-old woman continues fight for her life
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