Imagine a world where police respond less frequently to mental health crises. Sounds risky, right? But what if it actually led to better outcomes for everyone involved? That's the core question being asked as New Zealand Police significantly reduce their involvement in mental health-related calls. In the year leading up to June, they responded to a staggering 7,370 fewer such requests. This wasn't accidental; it was a deliberate and phased plan to reshape how mental health emergencies are handled in the country.
And the department anticipates even fewer police responses in the coming year as they move into phase three of this transformative plan.
So, what exactly does this phase three entail, which began this past Monday? It centers around updated guidelines used to assess whether police assistance is actually needed in non-emergency mental health situations. This includes requests for assistance under specific laws, support requests from inpatient mental health units, and other requests originating from mental health services. Think of it as a triage system – ensuring that police resources are directed where they're most essential.
Furthermore, reports of missing persons who have mental health concerns – including individuals who've left mental health facilities, services, or emergency departments – will now be evaluated using these updated guidelines to determine the appropriate level of police involvement. But here's where it gets controversial... Some might argue that any reduction in police presence could put vulnerable individuals at greater risk. Others believe it allows mental health professionals to take the lead, providing more specialized and effective care.
The phased approach began a year prior and already included measures like limiting the time police officers spend with individuals in emergency departments, raising the threshold for transporting someone experiencing a mental health crisis, and tightening the rules around where mental health assessments can take place. These initial phases aimed to free up police resources and ensure that mental health professionals were primarily responsible for care.
Police are keen to emphasize that they will still respond to calls if a crime has been committed or if there is an immediate risk to life or safety. This is a crucial point. It's not about abandoning those in need, but rather about strategically allocating resources.
According to Police Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson, who spoke on Nine to Noon, the police are satisfied with how phases one and two have been implemented and are confident moving to this next level.
Health NZ director of specialist mental health and addiction, Karla Bergquist, added that mental health practitioners are receiving clearer guidelines regarding when it's appropriate to request police assistance. And this is the part most people miss... It's not just about reducing police involvement; it's about empowering and equipping mental health professionals to handle these situations effectively.
Bergquist stated, "The other thing that has been happening in the background as we prepare for this phase is making that much more consistent across the country and helping our staff to communicate what's needed very clearly to police so that they can make good decisions about their involvement." In other words, better communication and coordination are key to making this new approach work.
Johnson provided an example from the first day of phase three's implementation, illustrating how a non-urgent transport request was granted after careful assessment. "We had a request in Gore down south on Monday where mental health services reached out for a transport. We did an assessment and sent some police staff to assist." He used this example to show that even with the changes, the police are still there when needed.
The process for responding to reports of missing persons with mental health concerns has also been streamlined, with updated training provided to both police and health staff. "We want to make sure that where it's required we will absolutely get our police staff there, but that's not in all cases," Johnson clarified.
The fourth and final phase, scheduled for early next year, will focus on 15-minute emergency department handovers and raising the threshold for welfare checks where there isn't a perceived risk of criminality or safety. This aims to further reduce the burden on police and prioritize their involvement in situations where there is a clear threat.
It's worth repeating: in emergency situations, both the public and health practitioners are still advised to call 111. This is the number to dial when immediate assistance is required, regardless of these changes.
Ultimately, this shift raises some important questions: Is this the right approach? Will it truly lead to better outcomes for individuals experiencing mental health crises? Or will it leave vulnerable people without the support they need? What do you think? Share your thoughts and concerns in the comments below!
