In a world where mental health issues are increasingly prevalent, the role of law enforcement in responding to related crises is under scrutiny. The recent announcement by Norfolk Constabulary to cease attending certain mental health-related emergency calls has sparked a significant debate. This blog post delves into the implications of this policy change, its potential impact on the community, and the role of innovative solutions like Peel Teams in addressing such challenges.

Mental health emergencies have long been a part of the police’s purview. However, the question of whether they are the most appropriate responders to such situations has been a topic of discussion. The recent decision by Norfolk Constabulary to stop attending certain mental health-related emergency calls unless a crime has been committed or there is an immediate threat to life has brought this issue to the forefront.

The New Policy

Norfolk Constabulary’s new policy is set to be implemented by the end of the year. The decision is aimed at freeing up police resources to tackle crime, as currently, one in every five calls the force receives are related to mental health. However, this change has sparked controversy, with concerns that it could leave vulnerable individuals at greater risk and increase pressure on the NHS and other bodies.

The ‘Right Care, Right Person’ Initiative

The policy change involves adopting an initiative piloted in Humberside called ‘Right Care, Right Person’. This initiative involves more carefully screening 999 calls to determine whether or not officers should attend. The aim is to ensure that people in mental health crisis receive the right support from the right agency, rather than defaulting to police intervention.

A precedent for other police forces? 

The decision by Norfolk Constabulary could potentially set a precedent for other police forces. This could lead to a significant shift in the way mental health emergencies are handled, with potential implications for the NHS, mental health charities, and other related bodies. The role of services like Peel Teams could become increasingly important in this new landscape.

The Value and Benefits of Peel Teams in High-Capacity Scenarios 

In circumstances where all services are operating at capacity, the utility of innovative solutions like Peel Teams becomes particularly evident. Peel Teams, with our ‘teams-as-a-service’ model, can provide a much-needed buffer, stepping in when other resources are stretched thin.

Peel Teams are composed of seasoned law enforcement professionals, bringing a wealth of practical knowledge and understanding of the UK policing system. This expertise is especially beneficial in addressing mental health situations, where the need for experienced and trained professionals is paramount.

One of the key benefits of Peel Teams is their ability to be rapidly deployed. In high-capacity scenarios, where immediate assistance is crucial, Peel Teams can provide timely support, effectively managing unexpected challenges or workload increases.

Additionally, Peel Teams offer flexibility, allowing for the scaling up of support in response to major incidents or during peak periods. This adaptability ensures that the right level of support is always available, even when other services are at capacity.

In the context of the new policy, Peel Teams could play a crucial role in ensuring that mental health emergencies are addressed by the right professionals, even when other services are stretched to their limits. This could help bridge the service gap left by the police’s withdrawal from certain mental health-related calls, ensuring that those in crisis receive the appropriate care and support.

Conclusion

The decision by Norfolk Constabulary marks a significant shift in the approach to handling mental health emergencies. While it has sparked controversy, it also opens up a conversation about the most appropriate and effective responses to mental health crises. 

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