People in crisis need this police safety net

‘We understand the waste of officers’ time of an average 12 hours spent sitting with a person in a hospital’s A&E department. But if there is no one else, the likelihood is that they will leave, at risk to themselves.’ Photograph: Victoria Jones/PA

We fear for the many individuals and families for whom the police are the only people to respond when they feel they are reaching crisis point (Ministers tell police to respond to fewer mental health-related 999 calls, 26 July).

We recognise the frustration of the police in substituting for mental health services, and we understand the waste of officers’ time of an average 12 hours spent sitting with a person in a hospital’s A&E department. But if there is no one else, the likelihood is that they will leave, at risk to themselves.

Many distressed callers tell us they can’t get an answer from their crisis lines, and when they do get through, they are given advice from often insufficiently trained staff that belittles the anguish they feel. It is these people who are also at risk, and, without the police, may have nowhere to turn for help.
Marjorie Wallace
Chief executive, Sane

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