Police Mental Health Response Changes Expected to Reduce Incidents

The local police department is set to significantly decrease its mental health-related responses following the rollout of a new plan. As part of this initiative, which officially began on October 2, 2023, police will assess non-emergency mental health requests against updated guidelines to determine the necessity of their involvement.

This third phase of the plan introduces a more selective approach to police engagement. Requests for assistance from mental health services, including inpatient units and reports of missing persons with mental health concerns, will now be evaluated more stringently. Under this revised protocol, police will only respond if there is evidence of an offense or a risk to life or safety.

The phased strategy began a year ago and has already seen police limit their time spent with individuals in emergency departments, raise the threshold for transporting individuals with mental illness, and tighten regulations regarding where mental health assessments can occur.

Police Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson expressed confidence in the initial phases of the plan and indicated readiness to implement this next level. Speaking to Nine to Noon, he noted that police would still respond to calls that meet the established criteria.

In a related statement, Karla Bergquist, director of specialist mental health and addiction at Health NZ, emphasized the importance of clear communication between mental health practitioners and police. She noted that practitioners would receive enhanced guidance on when to seek police assistance, contributing to a more consistent approach across the country.

On the first day of phase three, police received a non-urgent request for transport in Gore, where mental health services sought police support. Johnson confirmed that police were dispatched to assist after assessing the situation, indicating that the updated process is already yielding results.

The procedures for responding to individuals reported missing due to mental health concerns have also been streamlined. Both police and health staff have undergone training to ensure they can effectively navigate these situations. Johnson reiterated that while police presence will be reduced, they remain committed to responding when necessary.

Looking ahead, the fourth and final phase of the plan is scheduled for early 2024. This phase will introduce 15-minute handovers in emergency departments and will see police increase the threshold for welfare checks when there is no indication of criminality or safety risks. In emergency situations, both the public and health professionals are still advised to dial 111 for immediate assistance.

This strategic adjustment reflects a broader effort to enhance the efficiency of police responses to mental health crises while ensuring that appropriate support is still available when needed.