As part of the meeting of commanders of the Metropolitan Police of the Aburrá Valley (MEVAL), Professor Natalia Gómez Cardona, representative of the Psychology Program at Fundación Universitaria María Cano, participated as a speaker with a presentation focused on mental health as a strategic axis for institutional leadership.

During her presentation, Professor Gómez Cardona delved into the importance of recognizing and managing risk and protective factors that directly influence the institutional police context. These elements impact not only individual mental health but also the performance and quality of leadership exercised by commanders within their respective units.

The presentation emphasized the role of protective factors —such as institutional support, group cohesion, training in socio-emotional skills, and access to psychological support networks— as key components in strengthening the overall well-being of police personnel. At the same time, it raised awareness about common risk factors in this setting, such as chronic occupational stress, exposure to high-impact emotional situations, lack of spaces for emotional release, and the prevailing culture of silence surrounding psychological distress.

From Fundación Universitaria María Cano, the relevance of these interdisciplinary dialogue spaces was highlighted, and MEVAL was thanked for its commitment to the psychosocial well-being of its members, recognizing that a mentally healthy police force is essential for the effective protection of the community.

Professor Natalia intervention not only provided practical tools for positive leadership within the institution but also reiterated the need to build an organizational culture that values mental health as a cornerstone of public safety.