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29.04.2016 Opinion

The Ghana Police Service And The Psychologist [Part 2]

By Thomas Akanyibah 
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29.04.2016 LISTEN

Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes (coon,2001). A psychologist therefore refers to one who applies psychological theories and methodologies to solve psychological constructs such as daily life challenges,adjustment problems ,work stability and recruitment, etc.

There also types of psychologists but there are only three of such in Ghana presently namely the clinical ,social and the industrial and organizational psychologists. These professionals have same background but a slight difference in practice.

A first degree doesn't qualify one to be called a psychologist but a master's degree in the specialised field.

"The work of the psychologist lacks recognition in Ghana because we do not know the value they can place on the development of our society ",professor S .Dankwah ,one of the founding fathers of the discipline in Africa maintained.

With regards to the Ghana police service ,the clinical psychologist would be more preferable because they apply psychological theories and the methodologies through the process of a therapy to deal with maladaptive behaviours ,mental abnormalities ,stress,anger management and so on.

These psychologists especially the clinical ought to be readily available and accessible to the entire citizenry but it is unfortunately not so in Ghana ;notwithstanding,the members of the Ghana police service compulsorily need them.

The peace officers need socio -emotional experts who would restore their personal and private peace to them. We require these intellectuals who would bargain for the Junior officer on matters of leave and motivations . They would also be of grave importance to our psychological ineptitudes that arises from our families ,our social environment and adjustment in New places of work.

The police officer has been taught to maintain courageous calm in the face of scorn ,danger or threat but I refute that this is practically Impossible with the officer languishing in a challenged mental state.

I strongly believe that a detachment of clinical psychologists in the Ghana Police service would decrease the high frequency of alcohol consumption among members and reduce the high incidence of stress -related deaths.

I suggest that these opiate experts should have a bureau in all the eleven police regions in Ghana . They should be well placed administratively so that they can be readily available and accessible to all members of the service .

Psychologists doubles as research experts and can therefore act as catalysts to reforming the Ghana police service through their findings. Their counselling sessions should be extended to the least police post either by a face to face meeting or via circulars and published papers.

Conclusively, Redeeming and Reforming the Ghana police service is a collective responsibility and all must endeavor. Let's therefore support the idea of employing psychologists especially the clinical to delve into the psychology of police officers with all empathy in accordance with the recommendations made by Dr. Raymond Atuguba in his IEA paper titled, "THE GHANA POLICE SERVICE:A PRACTICAL AGENDA FOR REFORM. "

Thomas Akanyibah
Bravo/Swat
Accra Region
[email protected]

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