Effects of Total Lockdown to the Mental Health of BJMP Officers

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) is a Department of Interior and Local Government-affiliated body. Officers are seen as strong-willed, adaptable, and resilient with physical strength and interpersonal skills. In order to escape COVID-19, BJMP officers preferred to lock themselves up in the prison. BJMP officers are experiencing mental health problems inside the jail facilities due to COVID-19. The study aimed to examine the effects of total lockdown to the mental health of BJMP officers. Researchers determined the demographic profile of the respondents; the causes of mental health issues among BJMP officers during total lockdown, and the effects of total lockdown on BJMP officers' mental health. In this study, the researchers used descriptive research. This particular method was used because it is suitable to the nature of the study, which includes data collection, tabulation, interpretation, and analysis, as well as to help assess how many BJMP officers have encountered mental health issues during the total lockdown. The Philippines Bureau of Jail and Prison Service (BJPS) was forced to lock down BJMP personnel who had been exposed to traumatic scenarios. To prevent the virus from spreading in their facilities, the Bureau quickly prepares for the security of their personnel and PDLs. The researchers recommended that the BJMP implement more stringent and appropriate protocols within the jail facility. The BJMP officers must attend seminars provided by the Jail Bureau, it will serve as their guide and will make them aware of certain situations especially during pandemic. A counseling and therapy for the BJMP officers should be implemented by the Bureau of BJMP and therapist so that they have the opportunity to express their feelings and situations and it can also help officers who have mental disorder. The BJMP officers should also participate in activities such as daily living wellness and teambuilding.