Mental health, science and technology in Ponferrada’s new policing model
The University of León is collaborating on a project focused on mental health within the policing context in Ponferrada.
The initiative combines training, self-care and the development of tools to support police officers when responding to situations involving agitation and suicidal crises.
As part of the presentation of Ponferrada’s new Municipal Police model — focused on mediation, social support and prevention — a pioneering project has been introduced with an emphasis on a comprehensive approach to mental health. The initiative is led by a multidisciplinary team comprising forensic physician Verónica Carranza González and researchers Dr María Cristina Martínez Fernández (HeQoL Group) and Dr Gema Serrano Gemes (SALBIS Group), from the University of León (Ponferrada Campus).
The project aims to contribute to the care of people experiencing crisis situations and to promote self-care among police officers, taking into account the emotional demands that may accompany their professional activity.
Training in intervention and self-care
As part of this collaboration, training sessions were delivered on the management of agitation, intervention in suicidal crises and the care of police officers’ own mental health. The training is intended to provide knowledge and practical resources that may support officers in their day-to-day work and help foster care that is sensitive to people’s needs.
Development of protocols and support tools
Alongside the training activities, protocols and tools have been developed to support assessment and guide action in situations involving agitation and suicidal crises.
The initiative represents a collaborative space between the University, forensic medicine and the Municipal Police, bringing training and research closer to the needs of the public and the professionals who serve them.
