POLICE CARE UK 

This research will provide the first known local evidence base of the very real cost to individuals and UK forces of responding to people at the point of MH crisis. The project endeavours to inform ....more

This research will provide the first known local evidence base of the very real cost to individuals and UK forces of responding to people at the point of MH crisis. The project endeavours to inform and inspire better ways to respond, support and care. The research is not about merely calling for retraining or for more resources for the police to handle people in crisis. Its focus is on where and how the current systems and processes between mental health services and operational policing are failing officers, forces, members of the public, their family and the wider public sector Aim: The research aims to fully understand the impact of responding acute MH crises in policing, both at the micro level of the individual officer and at unit and force level. Through understanding the psychological and resource demand that responding to acute MH crises in the public generates in force, the research will create an evidence base to lead the call for more effective policy and funding decisions. The report will provide insight through the lens of one local force, Surrey, to demonstrate the nature and extent of the acute MH demand on UK policing which need to be considered at the national level. The research aims to provide clarity on the current situation, to promote urgent cross sector discussion with the NHS and Adult Social Care and to instigate long awaited change. The combined aim of the research is to help the general good, it will help the Police in terms of resourcing and by shining a light on stress and trauma. It anticipates that by the police being better understood and supported it will help them to better serve those in acute mental health crisis (they don?t want to be in an acute crisis ? they are ill). It will shine a light on a specific area of healthcare that is being dealt with by the police (not the NHS or Adult Social Care) with the aim that this recognition and understanding will provide the basis for wider discussion and alternatives in support. A launch will include an in-person conference, based in Surrey, to explore cross sector responses and solutions to the challenges facing police responses to daily MH crisis. Early discussions with The Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales indicate interest in moving this agenda forward at government level in 2023.