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Police report success with new mental health response policy

News

Suffolk Constabulary says its "Right Care, Right Person" approach has reduced unnecessary callouts and improved response times.

The big picture: The policy, introduced in October 2023, aims to ensure vulnerable people receive support from the most appropriate agencies rather than defaulting to police attendance.

Why it matters: Local police leaders say the change allows officers to focus more on crime and anti-social behaviour while ensuring individuals receive care from those best equipped to help.

By the numbers: Suffolk police have claimed:

  • 45% decrease in police attendance for welfare concerns (2,500 fewer incidents)

  • 23% overall reduction in related calls

  • In the first month of phase two, only 5 out of 23 incidents required police attendance

What they're saying:

  • ACC Eamonn Bridger said, "These figures are very encouraging and demonstrate that the public and our partners are understanding what an appropriate call for police service is."

  • Richard Watson, NHS Suffolk and North East Essex ICB also commented: "We wish to thank Suffolk Constabulary for their considered rollout of Right Care, Right Person, and ensuring that people's wellbeing and safety always remain a top priority."

  • PCC Tim Passmore concluded, “It is absolutely vital that people suffering with mental ill-health are attended to by properly-qualified practitioners. Police officers are not such practitioners, but they will of course still respond where there is a risk to life, or a crime is being committed."

The bottom line: Suffolk Constabulary will continue monitoring the policy's impact and working with partners to refine the approach. Suffolk Constabulary are one of three police forces nationally receiving an enhanced evaluation of the policy by the Home Office, which the force will receive and assess later this year.

Police reveal Billy McNicholl died from head injuries and a single stab wound in an 'isolated' attack

News

A post-mortem has revealed that William "Billy" McNicholl, 63, died from head injuries and a single stab wound at his Ipswich home. Police continue to appeal for witnesses as the murder investigation enters its second week.

The details: Officers discovered McNicholl's body at his home on Hawthorn Drive shortly before 18:00 on New Years Day:

  • Suffolk Constabulary's Major Investigation Team is leading the inquiry

  • A police cordon remains in place near the junction with Marigold Avenue

  • Investigators are particularly interested in any suspicious activity between 24 December and 1 January

William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog
William "Billy" McNicholl, 63, died from head injuries and a single stab wound at his Ipswich homeAmy Clarke

What they're saying: Detective Superintendent Mike Brown of the Joint Major Investigations Team said: “We continue to appeal for anyone with any information to come forward while the murder inquiry into the death of Billy continues.

“Billy’s family are being supported by specially trained officers through what is an extremely distressing time for them.

“A large number of officers and staff have already been involved in the investigation, with searches, house-to-house and CCTV enquiries taking place. Residents should expect to see a continued increased police presence over the coming days.

“We are exploring all and any lines of enquiry and currently believe this to be an isolated incident and I would urge anyone with any information, no matter how small you think it may be, to get in touch with police.”

How to help:

  • Contact police on 101 quoting reference 37/162/25

  • Submit information via the Major Incident Public Reporting Portal at mipp.police.uk/operation/363719P01-PO1

  • Call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

  • Use Crimestoppers' online form at crimestoppers-uk.org

The bottom line: While police believe this is an isolated incident, they are conducting extensive searches, house-to-house inquiries and CCTV analysis. Residents should expect to see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days.

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