Recommendation 1
Suffolk Constabulary should implement a process to ensure that in all cases where there are mental health concerns for a member of the public who comes into contact with the police, reasonable action is taken to facilitate those individuals receiving mental health support. Officers should be made aware of this new process once it has been developed.
This recommendation follows a death or serious injury (DSI) investigation by Suffolk Constabulary, following an incident in which a male seriously harmed himself shortly after being in contact with police. Officers had contact with the male on numerous occasions in the weeks leading up to this incident, during which he had expressed suicidal thoughts. When attending an incident in which there are concerns for an individual’s mental health, officers should complete a Vulnerable Person Form. However, the DSI investigation identified that the completion of a Vulnerable Person Form does not result in an onward referral to an appropriate mental health team. Therefore, there is currently a risk that a person suffering a mental health crisis may not receive the support they require.
Do you accept the recommendation?
Yes
Addressed to: Suffolk Constabulary should implement a process
Linked bodies:
Suffolk Constabulary should implement a process