"Psychological tests are urged before awarding firearms," says Castro Marte

Santo Domingo.– The bishop of the diocese Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia de Higüey, Monsignor Jesús Castro Marte, warned about the urgency of strengthening psychological evaluations for members of the Armed Forces and the National Police before authorizing them to carry firearms, considering that it is an extremely delicate responsibility when adequate mental conditions do not exist. The religious figure acknowledged the discipline, the temple, and the prestige that characterize the Armed Forces and the National Police in the fulfillment of their duties. However, he pointed out that interpersonal relationships and the pressures inherent in these institutions represent a constant challenge that is not always healthy or edifying for all its members. Castro Marte considered it imperative that mental health professionals conduct periodic and in-depth evaluations to detect possible behaviors, disorders, or dissociative attitudes that may lead to acts of violence, homicides, or suicides. "It is urgent to conduct interviews with psychological tests, questionnaires about mood, and cognitive assessments of memory and reasoning to determine if it is feasible to award a firearm to a person, regardless of whether they are an officer or non-commissioned officer," the bishop stated. He indicated that members of security agencies are exposed to multiple risk factors due to the nature of their work, such as the high demand for values, discipline, loyalty, and a sense of duty, which can cause mental health problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.

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Likewise, it was pointed out that the social and family pressure associated with the position can trigger tragic and mournful situations, such as recent events that have shocked Dominican society. In that sense, he warned that the situation could become a "domino effect epidemic" if responsible and timely measures are not adopted by the State and society.

Finally, Castro Marte referred to the role of Dominican women, highlighting their growth and empowerment in multiple areas. He affirmed that this progress should not be seen as a threat by men and reminded that all humanity comes from a maternal womb, so the life of women should be honored, protected, and respected.