How a major policy shift is changing how police will respond to mental health call-outs

Police in Northern Ireland handle 30,000 mental health calls every year, or about 80 a day on average - but a major new policy will see a significant change in how those calls are answered.

From the start of November, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) will no longer carry out concern-for-welfare checks unless there's a risk to life or harm or a crime involved.

The public will still phone 999, but calls will be assessed and handlers may pass them onto other emergency services or health and social care staff.

While reaction to the policy has been mixed, the PSNI says it is about ensuring individuals receive care from the most appropriate professional or service.

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson previously told a Stormont committee that the number of mental health contacts received by police had reached "unprecedented levels".

He said thousands of calls about a person potentially in danger were received by the PSNI - with just 3% of those related to crime.

The policy, Right Care Right Person, is being introduced in phases in Northern Ireland.

It has been in place among some forces in England and Wales since 2023 and means police no longer attend calls where no crime has been committed, or where there is no risk of harm or risk to life.

Kaynak: BBC News Health RSS (Açık Basın / Haber Servisi)