Bantay Kaisipan: Mental Health Programs for Police Officers in a Highly Urbanized City

Abstract

The mental health and well-being of police officers are critical yet often overlooked aspects of law enforcement. This study aims to assess the implementation of the Bantay Kaisipan Program within the Philippine National Police (PNP) in a highly urbanized city. The study addresses the importance of mental health programs in law enforcement, aiming to enhance officers' well-being and operational effectiveness. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather comprehensive data. Findings indicate that while there is moderate-high awareness and satisfactory implementation of the program, significant challenges persist, such as stigma, workload, and inadequate training and evaluation mechanisms. While the Bantay Kaisipan Program positively impacts mental health awareness and resilience, addressing the identified barriers is crucial for its success. This research fills a gap in the literature by providing insights into the practical challenges of implementing mental health programs in police settings. The study’s findings underscore the need for improved training, better logistical support, and enhanced evaluation processes to ensure the program's long-term effectiveness and sustainability.