Police service praised for mental health care

People don’t choose when or where to have a crisis. As a result, the police often find themselves involved in responding.

The report concluded:

“Feedback from people who came into contact with the police showed the service in a more positive light than many of the specialist mental health services. It is encouraging that a professional working outside of specialist services can get it right and this should act as a challenge to those working in the health service to do the same.”

It also found that:

• The use of police cells as a ‘place of safety’ for people in crisis has fallen significantly.
• People should receive transport quickly and that is appropriate to their needs.
• The experience of those in crisis can vary greatly depending on where they are and what help they require.
• Too many people are being turned away or forced to wait for long periods after arriving at health-based places of safety.

The findings were based on feedback from almost 1,800 people with experience of a mental health crisis, alongside local area inspections, surveys and national data. A representative from the NPCC sat on its Advisory Group.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) Lead for Mental Health and Policing, Commander Christine Jones said:

“Mental health must be put on a par with physical health. You wouldn't take someone with a broken leg or chest pains to police custody, they would go straight to hospital. Why should a mental health crisis be any different?

“The consequences of mental illness are just as real, and potentially life-threatening, as a physical health emergency.

“Police forces across the UK are committed to improving our response to those experiencing poor mental health by raising awareness and working more closely with other agencies. We're glad this progress and the good work of many officers, staff and volunteers has been recognised. However, there is much more to do if we are to achieve true parity of esteem.”

The full Care Quality Commission report and summary can be found at:

http://www.cqc.org.uk/content/right-here-right-now-mental-health-crisis-care-review