Police anti-depressant policy dropped

Police have done a U-turn on their policy that barred all potential new recruits from taking antidepressants.

Earlier this year, police said new recruits on anti-depressants could not join the force, a view the Mental Health Foundation slammed as unacceptable.

Would-be recruits needed to be both medication and symptom free for two years before their medical suitability would be considered.

But Police deputy chief executive of people Kaye Ryan said yesterday that a change in medical standards for applicants meant potential recruits on antidepressent medication will now be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Any applicant who took antidepressants needed a report from a registered clinical psychologist, she said.

‘‘Whilst a stand-down period may still be imposed, it would be determined by an assessment of the applicant’s individual circumstances and medical history.’’

Applicants were required to list their prescribed medications and give medical history during the recruitment process but until yesterday those who took antidepressant medications were immediately barred.

University of Auckland psychiatry professor Robert Kydd carried out the review for the police. His report said a medicated person may make better judgments than someone with an untreated condition.

‘‘The nature of police work means officers can come across incredibly distressing and challenging situations, which might trigger mental distress,’’ Ryan said. ‘‘Police support those staff who might be suffering and have a number of measures in place, such as welfare officers, Employee Assistance Programme and trauma referral following significant events.’’

Leona Dinsdale, a mother of four who is chasing her dream to join the police said the move was positive and she looked forward to the chance of being accepted as a recruit.

Her only concern was the management of the policy changes.

‘‘They need to put it on the recruitment website and on the application so people know exactly what is required of them.’’

Earlier this months Dinsdale was afraid she may have wasted $3000 on a police training course because she was taking antidepressants.