Police report success with new mental health response policy

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.