Why the Met shouldn’t stop responding to mental health 999 calls

Sir Mark Rowley, commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, has written to health leaders warning the force will stop sending officers to attend thousands of 999 calls about mental health incidents. The ban will only be waived if a threat to life is feared.

The move by Scotland Yard follows the rollout of a similar policy by Humberside Police in 2020 called Right Care Right Person, which sees mental health professionals dealing with calls. An inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services in November found the switch had saved the force – which has mental health workers from the charity Mind in the force control room – 1,100 police hours per month.

However, there is a concern that healthcare services cannot possibly set up an appropriate response that will keep vulnerable individuals safe within three months.

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Source: Independent, 31 May 2023