TY - JOUR
T1 - Exploring the Growth in Police Engagement with Those Who Are Mentally Ill and the Developing Use of the Mental Capacity Act as an Alternative to Section 136 of the Mental Health Act
AU - Thomas, Allyn
AU - Forrester-Jones, Rachel
AU - Hunt, P
PY - 2019/6/25
Y1 - 2019/6/25
N2 - Despite efforts of Parliament, the Home Office, police forces and health practitioners, the number of people detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983 continues to rise. By analyzing quantitative data from Hampshire Constabulary, this study describes in detail police engagement with the mentally ill. Findings showed how people in mental crisis were increasingly detained by the ambulance service using the Mental Capacity Act and taken to A&E Departments. Nationally, police officers were also found to be increasingly taking Section 136 detainees to A&E. The majority of people contacting Hampshire displayed delusions which were unlikely to result in a police response and may disproportionately account for the overall growth in contact with the police. The data suggest that ‘Triage’ schemes alone will not be effective in reducing detentions. Hampshire’s partnership and discretionary approach is successful in reducing detentions. Recommendations for policy, practice, and further research are provided.
AB - Despite efforts of Parliament, the Home Office, police forces and health practitioners, the number of people detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983 continues to rise. By analyzing quantitative data from Hampshire Constabulary, this study describes in detail police engagement with the mentally ill. Findings showed how people in mental crisis were increasingly detained by the ambulance service using the Mental Capacity Act and taken to A&E Departments. Nationally, police officers were also found to be increasingly taking Section 136 detainees to A&E. The majority of people contacting Hampshire displayed delusions which were unlikely to result in a police response and may disproportionately account for the overall growth in contact with the police. The data suggest that ‘Triage’ schemes alone will not be effective in reducing detentions. Hampshire’s partnership and discretionary approach is successful in reducing detentions. Recommendations for policy, practice, and further research are provided.
KW - Section 136 Mental Health Act
KW - Policing
KW - Mentally Ill
U2 - 10.1093/police/paz041
DO - 10.1093/police/paz041
M3 - Article
JO - Policing
JF - Policing
SN - 1752-4512
M1 - paz041
ER -