Police ‘open to change’ on controversial health checks

The role of GPs in assessing the suitability of potential Victoria Police recruits could be about to change after the RACGP raised concerns about the controversial process.
 
Under the policy changes, introduced last year, the onus for physical and mental assessments shifted from an internal police process to nominated GPs, who were asked to conduct a health check of applicants, as well as evaluating their medical suitability going back at least five years.
 
While Victoria Police said the new approach was part of a ‘commitment to a more flexible, efficient, and applicant-focused recruitment process’, the college was informed of but not consulted on the change.
 
It led to RACGP Victoria Chair Dr Anita Muñoz, alongside several GPs, raising concerns about safety, practical and medico-legal implications, including in a letter sent last month.
 
The issue was discussed in a meeting between RACGP Victoria and Victoria Police on Wednesday, which Dr Muñoz described as ‘collaborative and respectful’.
 
‘We’ve written to Victoria Police and expressed some concern about their new framework for recruiting candidates and they’ve responded very appropriately,’ she told newsGP.
 
‘They’ve made it clear to us that they don’t want there to be unintended consequences for our members, their members or the community.
 
‘We’ve had a productive conversation looking at the framework to enable GPs to help candidates assess their suitability for training in the police, without the GP being necessarily the person that conducts the full extent of the physical and psychological assessment.’
 
Under the changes, applicants were asked to undergo two psychometric tests, then a separate psychological assessment with their GP if they progressed to the next stage – an area of concern for Dr Muñoz.
 
‘They have accepted that assessing the results of the psychometric testing and then coming up with the determination of psychological suitability is outside of the scope,’ she said.
 
‘The GP is not expected to look at those results and then draw a conclusion that says “you are a suitable candidate for training”.
 
‘The police see the role of the GP as to help screen people and assess their suitability before putting themselves forward for VicPol training, but recognising that the final determination about suitability to start training will rest with Victoria Police.’
 
A Victoria Police spokesperson said they had been ‘constructively engaging’ with the RACGP, although did not confirm any immediate changes.
 
‘Talks so far have been positive and we are committed to continued discussions,’ they told newsGP.
 
‘We are always open to making necessary changes as we continue to review and strengthen the physical and mental health assessment process.
 
‘Victoria Police does not compromise on safety or its high entry standards.’
 
It follows new laws introduced in Western Australia last year, which require gun owners, or potential gun owners, to have health assessments carried out by a medical professional, including GPs, at least once every five years.
 
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