Operational partnerships - Mental health - policing mental health (O18)

1. Summary of Changes

1.1 This policy has been reviewed in August 2024 – minor amendments have been made to paragraphs 3.1, 3.2, 4.3.1 and 5.1.

2. What this Policy is About

2.1. This policy provides mandatory direction to operational officers in relation to the police response when dealing with mental health incidents. A mental health incident is any incident where the police consider application of the powers provided to the police and other agencies by the Mental Health Act 1983 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

Compliance with this policy and any supporting procedures is mandatory.

3. Statement of Policy

3.1. Officers and staff will respond appropriately with any mental health crisis incident, which involves the police directly.

In relation to a request for assistance from another agency, it is expected that any police deployment decisions will be made in accordance with Policy O68 (Right Care Right Person).

 

3.2. Officers frequently encounter people, who are in the midst of health (physical and / or mental) and social care related issues, in a variety of operational circumstances.
3.3. Officers who encounter an individual, during the course of their operational policing / patrol duties and where the individual appears to be in the midst of an emergency crisis / situation, or high risk medical episode, will still have a duty of care to intervene. This policy does not negate that duty of care.

4. Implications of Policy

4.1. Finance / Staffing / Training

4.1.1. Such significant change must be communicated broadly to ensure compliance.

4.2. Risk Assessment

4.2.1. This policy has been assessed as medium risk.

4.3. Equality Impact Assessment

4.3.1. An Equality Impact Assessment has been carried out and the potential for differential impact has been carefully considered.

5. Consultation

5.1. This policy has been subject of extensive consultation with senior representatives from the Approved Mental Health Professional Service, Integrated Care Board, Kent and Medway Partnership Trust and North East London Foundation Trust.

5.2. Corporate consultation has taken place with HR, Finance, Health and Safety and Legal.

6. Monitoring and Review

6.1. The Force Mental Health Liaison Officer will monitor the policy and conduct an annual review to ensure the policy is fit for purpose, reflecting changes in legislation, national police practice, the NICE Guidelines and developments in local partner practice.

6.2. The next review of the policy will take place in August 2025.

7. Security

7.1. Kent Police have measures in place to protect the security of your data in accordance with our Information Management Policy.

8. Retention and Disposal of Records

8.1. Kent Police will hold data in accordance with our Records Review, Retention and Disposal Policy.