Police have significantly reduced their involvement in mental health calls, sparking a debate about the role of law enforcement in these situations. A drop of 7370 fewer calls in a year is a striking statistic, but what does it mean for those in crisis? The police force has intentionally shifted its approach, but is this a step forward or a cause for concern?
This change is part of a strategic plan to reduce police response to mental health calls, as reported by RNZ (https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560082/police-won-t-spend-more-than-an-hour-on-most-mental-health-cases). The plan, now in its third phase, aims to decrease police attendance at mental health-related incidents even further. But here's where it gets controversial: the criteria for police involvement are becoming stricter.
In phase three, initiated on Monday, the police will:
- Evaluate non-emergency mental health requests against new guidelines to decide if their intervention is necessary, including requests under legislation and from mental health units.
- Assess reports of missing persons with mental health issues and determine the appropriate level of police action.
Over the past year, the police have already been implementing changes, such as limiting time spent in emergency departments, increasing the criteria for transporting individuals with mental illnesses, and restricting locations for mental health assessments.
Police Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson expressed satisfaction with the initial phases and is confident about the next stage. However, he assured that police will respond to calls involving criminal offenses or threats to life and safety.
Health NZ's Karla Bergquist, director of specialist mental health and addiction, highlighted improved guidance for mental health practitioners on when to involve the police. This includes clearer communication with police to ensure informed decisions about their participation.
Despite the reduced attendance, police will still act when situations align with their updated guidelines. For instance, on the first day of phase three, they approved a non-urgent transport request from mental health services in Gore.
The process for handling missing persons with mental health concerns has been streamlined, with updated training for police and health staff. Johnson emphasized that police response would be selective, focusing on cases where their presence is essential.
The final phase, expected next year, will introduce 15-minute ED handovers and raise the bar for welfare checks in cases without suspected criminality or safety risks.
In emergencies, the public and health practitioners are reminded to dial 111. But the question remains: is this new approach a positive evolution or a potential risk for those in mental health crises? Share your thoughts below!
