Policing and Mental Health Summit

The event on 23 October was also attended by the Home Secretary, the Minister for Policing, Criminal Justice & Victims and the Minister for Care & Support.

Chief Constable Alf Hitchcock said,

"Dealing with those suffering from mental illness is a core part of police business. However, for too long officers have been expected to play the role of medics, psychiatrists and ambulance drivers. Nor is it right for a frightened and unwell individual to be held in a police cell for up to 72 hours. This must end and the balance needs to be redressed.

"Success means getting partner organisations involved at an earlier stage and letting experts do the things they are expert at. It also means looking again at overarching structures and improving the way information is shared.

"We should recognise and celebrate the progress we have made so far. However, there is still more to be done. The police are committed to treating every vulnerable person in crisis which the professionalism, respect and compassion they deserve."