Dated: 21 March 2022
POLICY TITLE: Mental Health
OWNING DIRECTORATE: Crime and Safeguarding
AUTHOR: D/Inspector (Safeguarding Strategic Support), Safeguarding Department
CONTACT DETAILS: 101
EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT: Complete
AUTHORISED PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE (APP) NATIONAL GUIDANCE: AVAILABLE
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AIM OF POLICY: To outline the Northumbria Police response to individuals with mental ill health and individuals who may be suffering mental health crisis.
BENEFIT OF POLICY: Northumbria Police will protect life and property from harm. By recognising mental illness at an early stage, individuals will be enabled to access the required services.
REASON FOR POLICY: To demonstrate how Northumbria Police fulfils its duties in relation to the Mental Health Act (MHA)1983 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005. This policy reflect changes to the MHA by the Policing and Crime Bill 2017.
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Northumbria Police will treat all people with mental disorders and learning disabilities with dignity and respect and will use legislation and statutory guidance to bring to justice those who exploit and abuse persons who lack mental capacity.
Officers and staff will have:
- A core basic awareness of mental health issues, learning disabilities and vulnerability;
- Skills for managing people at the point of contact through the use of effective communication;
- De-escalation skills and an understanding of the dangers of using restraint techniques with vulnerable people; police officers should always seek to use the least restrictive option available when dealing with people with mental disorders; ensuring restraint is used only where it is proportionate, justified and necessary.
- An awareness of liaison and diversion opportunities for people with mental health and learning disabilities;
- A good understanding of how to apply mental health legislation and the MHA 1983 codes of practice.
The Mental Health Act Code of Practice (2015) states: Mental Disorder is defined for the purposes of the Act as ‘any disorder or disability of the mind’. This term covers all areas of vulnerability relating to legal frameworks i.e. Mental Illness and Learning Disability.
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SOURCE DOCUMENT: Mental Health Act 1983, Mental Capacity Act 2005 Policing and Crime Bill 2017, Authorised Professional Practice
GROUPS AFFECTED: All staff
ACCESS AND DISCLOSURE RESTRICTIONS: None
