THE use of police custody as a place of safety under mental health legislation across the country has more than halved in one year.<\/p>\n
In South Yorkshire the number of times police cells were used as a place of safety under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act went from 127 to 96.<\/p>\n
The number of times police cells in England and Wales were used as a place of safety under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983 fell from 4,537 in 2014\/15 to 2,100 in 2015\/16 (a 54% reduction).<\/p>\n
The trend was particularly marked for children and young people: 43 under 18s thought to be mentally unwell were taken directly to police custody in 2015\/16 compared with 161 in 2014\/15 (a 73% reduction).<\/p>\n
More cases are being referred straight to health-based places of safety than ever before (26,171).<\/p>\n
The NPCC Lead for Mental Health and Policing, Commander Christine Jones, praised the hard work of police officers and staff in ensuring those experiencing a mental health crisis are treated by the right professionals in an appropriate setting.<\/p>\n
However, she went on to warn that there is more to do and momentum must not be lost.<\/p>\n
She said: \u201cNationally, police and health professionals have worked tremendously hard to meet the needs of those in mental health crisis and make sure they are treated in a suitable environment.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, there are still significant challenges for colleagues in health and commissioning, who must ensure that bed space – and, indeed, less urgent mental health provision – is sufficient to meet demand.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe data indicates real progress. In order to build on that we must continue to demonstrate we will not tolerate the use of police cells for those who are unwell.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt should remain the joint ambition of police and health partners to achieve equality in the way people with mental and physical health needs are treated.\u201d<\/p>\n