Mental health charities in England are deeply concerned about the changes in police response to mental health concerns for several reasons:
Safety and Well-being of Individuals: People experiencing mental health crises are vulnerable and need appropriate care and support. Sending the police to respond to mental health emergencies can escalate situations and potentially lead to harmful outcomes, as officers may not have the necessary training to handle mental health issues sensitively and effectively.
Criminalization of Mental Illness: Dispatching the police to handle mental health crises can inadvertently criminalize individuals with mental health conditions. This approach may lead to unnecessary arrests or detentions of individuals who require medical help and support instead of punitive measures.
Lack of Training: Police officers may not receive adequate training in understanding mental health issues and de-escalation techniques. As a result, they may not be equipped to handle situations involving mental health crises appropriately, potentially causing further distress to the individuals involved.
Stigma and Fear: The presence of police officers during mental health emergencies can increase feelings of fear and stigma for individuals experiencing a crisis. This might discourage some people from seeking help when needed, out of fear of police involvement or legal repercussions.
Inadequate Support Services: Mental health services in many areas of England are already strained and underfunded. Relying on the police to respond to mental health concerns could divert resources away from community-based mental health support and interventions that are better suited to addressing the needs of individuals in crisis.
Collaboration with Mental Health Professionals: Mental health crises require a multidisciplinary approach involving mental health professionals, crisis intervention teams, and community support services. Relying solely on the police to respond to mental health calls may hinder the collaboration needed to provide comprehensive and compassionate care.
Advocacy for Mental Health Reforms: Mental health charities advocate for systemic changes in how society addresses mental health concerns. Shifting the burden of response to the police can deflect attention from the need for proper mental health infrastructure and services.
Overall, mental health charities are concerned that the changes in police response to mental health concerns in England may exacerbate existing issues within the mental health system and potentially lead to negative outcomes for individuals in crisis. There is a call for more appropriate and well-trained mental health crisis response teams to be involved in situations involving mental health, ensuring that those in need receive the right support and care.