A criminal use of police cells? The use of police custody as a place of safety for people with mental health needs

Authors:
HM INSPECTORATE OF CONSTABULARY, et al
Publisher:
HM Inspectorate of Constabulary
Publication year:
2013
Pagination:
59
Place of publication:
London

This joint inspection by Her Majesty‟s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC); Her Majesty‟s Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP); the Care Quality Commission (CQC); and Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) examines the extent to which police custody is used as a place of safety under section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983. The inspection wanted to examine why, despite guidance, codes of practice, and recommendations made in earlier studies, police custody continues to be used so frequently. It also focused on partnership and multi-agency working and how effective the police service and health partners are in working together recording and monitoring the use of section 136; and how data are collected, used and shared between partners. The report also considers training and staff awareness of policies and procedures regarding the use of section 136; and the perspectives of those detained under section 136 and their views on their time in police custody. Fieldwork took place during May and June 2012, and comprised inspection of seven police forces (Kent; Lancashire; Leicestershire; Norfolk; North Wales; Suffolk; and Sussex), two Metropolitan Police boroughs (Bromley and Lewisham), and the associated mental health trusts. The report recommends that Codes of Practice should be be amended to bring down detention time to a maximum of 24 hours in police custody. Once this period has elapsed, any assessments which are needed should be undertaken in a hospital. The Mental Health Act 1983 should be amended to remove a police station as a place of safety for those detained under section 136, except on an exceptional basis. (Original abstract)

Subject terms:
police, mental health problems, mental health law, inspection;
Content type:
inspection report
Location(s):
England, Wales
Link:
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ISBN print:
9781782461470

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