THE ESSEX Police and Crime Commissioner, Nick Alston has commented on how Essex Police are dealing with the challenges of mental health.
In his latest report, Mr Alston states:
"In December 2014, following a successful funding bid, a street triage pilot was launched throughout Essex.
The aim of this pilot is to reduce the number of individuals detained under the Mental Health Act where the root cause of the behaviour is drugs, alcohol or criminality, and ensure that only those in real need of support are formally detained.
"This pilot involves mental health professionals attending the scene of a potential mental health incident with police officers to support both the individual in crisis and the police officers in making the most appropriate decision for the welfare of the individual.
"This process is also supported by an additional helpline which allows officers to obtain specialist mental health advice and support at the scene of incidents.
"I am delighted that agencies across Essex have now signed the mental health crisis care concordat. My team are now leading work across the county to identify current service provision and identify new services which require commissioning to best support the most vulnerable and reduce the impact that mental health, drugs and alcohol have on their behaviour.
