Police support better access to health-based safe places for those experiencing mental illness

National Policing Lead for Mental Ill Health, Commander Christine Jones said:

‘We fully support the findings of this report by the Care Quality Commission, which highlights the importance of making sure those detained under section 136 of the Mental Health Act are taken quickly to a health-based place of safety, at a mental health hospital or emergency department.

Police cells are not the right place for vulnerable ill people. Good progress has already been made and we will continue to work with the NHS and other partners to ensure all those experiencing a mental health crisis are dealt with in a timely, sensitive and appropriate way.’

For more information contact:

ACPO Press Office
Association of Chief Police Officers
e: press.office@acpo.pnn.police.uk