The NSWPF responds to more than 60,000 mental health incidents in the community every year and this figure has increased by around 10 per cent annually since 2018.
In most cases a criminal offence has not been committed, there is no threat of violence and a weapon is not involved.
Last year, the NSWPF commissioned a review into its role and response to mental health incidents within the community. The scope included:
- Examine the demand on the NSWPF in responding to mental health incidents in the community;
- Review the training officers receive;
- Define the role of police in responding to mental health incidents in the community;
- Review the current operational model;
- Review potential options for alternate response models.
As part of the review, Senior Police travelled to the United Kingdom to consider its ‘Right Care, Right Person’ model which ensures the right agency – that being the agency that can help the most – responds to mental health related incidents.
To be clear, in incidents where a weapon or a direct threat to life is involved, police respond.
The NSWPF’s report notes that while police are best equipped to respond to incidents involving criminality and public order, other health professionals are able to provide more appropriate care for people experiencing mental health crises.
It also acknowledges that police as the primary responder can potentially escalate a situation and that the high volume of police deployment to mental health related matters can also have flow on impacts to other community safety issues, limiting resources of police to respond to other matters.
The NSWPF and NSW Ministry of Health share the same goals: safer care for people experiencing mental health in the community, the safety of health professionals who provide care, and reserving police involvement in their care to situations when it is necessary for the safety of the person or community.
The NSWPF and NSW Ministry of Health have set up a working group of senior officials to consider the findings of the report and to develop options for an alternative response.
Additionally, the NSWPF has newly established the Mental Health Command to strengthen engagement and enhance police interventions when responding to mental health incidents.
The Command will provide oversight, strategic guidance and advice as well as engage with external stakeholders.
The Mental Health Command is part of an ongoing commitment to enhancing policing services and the safety and support of the community.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:
“There is consensus that people experiencing mental ill health need appropriate medical care.
“This is a complex issue and it’s important we have the right processes and support in place to address mental health incidents within the community.
“The NSWPF is responding to an extraordinary number of mental health-related calls each year, these officers go above and beyond to serve the community.
“We want to explore an alternate model so police can respond to crime first and foremost, and those experiencing mental ill health can receive the right care.”
Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said:
“The wellbeing and safety of NSW residents will always be a priority for the NSW Government. We are witnessing a shift in the prevalence and type of mental illness, as such a new response must be considered.
“We hear the calls for change from the sector and the recent NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into community mental health, and we know action cannot wait. This report is our first step in exploring the pathway forward to an alternative model.
“It takes a whole of Government approach to address mental health – NSW Health will continue to work with the NSW Police to identify changes to the state’s emergency response for people experiencing mental health crisis.”
