The National Police Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024

Background

The National Police Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024 is introduced in response to the unique and stressful nature of policing, which regularly exposes officers to danger, mortality, and high-pressure decision-making. Citing findings from the Mental Health Taskforce Report of 2020, the Bill addresses a gap in the principal Act by introducing structured, statutory frameworks to support the mental wellness of officers.

Key Amendments

Amendment of Section 2 of No. 30 of 2011

Introduces statutory definitions to the Act to clarify terms related to mental wellness:

• "psychosocial support" is defined as the attention given to a person relating to the interrelation of social factors and individual thought and behavior based on their mental state.
• "wellness" is defined as practising healthy habits regularly to attain better physical and mental health outcomes.

Amendment of Section 10(1) of No. 30 of 2011

Inserts a new paragraph (qa) under the functions of the Commission, granting it the power to establish psychosocial units and formulate programs aimed at promoting the mental health and wellbeing of police officers.

Insertion of Section 12A of No. 30 of 2011

Inserts a new section establishing specific wellness delivery mechanisms:

• Requires the Commission, in consultation with the Inspector General, to provide police officers with mental health and wellness resources.
• Requires the establishment of well-equipped psychosocial support centres in offices, camps, training colleges, and communities across every county.

New Obligations

• Collaboration on Mental Health: The Commission must work in active consultation with the Inspector General to secure and distribute mental health and wellness resources to officers.
• County Decentralization: The Commission is legally obligated to set up and equip support infrastructure at local levels, ensuring coverage across all counties in police communities and installations.