Introduction and strategic considerations

Summary

This section of the Authorised Professional Practice (APP) focuses on the role of police in responding to individuals experiencing mental ill health and disabilities. It outlines the legal frameworks governing police conduct, such as the Mental Health Act 1983 and the Equality Act 2010, underscoring the police's duty to ensure fair treatment and protection of vulnerable populations. It emphasizes the need for awareness of mental health issues within policing and outlines the responsibilities officers have when interacting with mentally vulnerable individuals. Additionally, it advocates for the importance of multi-agency working and the sharing of crucial information in providing effective responses to mental health incidents.

Key principles

• 1Police responses are governed by international and domestic legal frameworks.
• 2The police have a duty to eliminate discrimination and advance equality for those with mental ill health.
• 3Reasonable adjustments should be made for vulnerable individuals interacting with police.
• 4Effective multi-agency working is essential in handling incidents involving mental health.
• 5Police should be familiar with relevant mental health legislation and codes of practice.

Defined terms

Mental ill health

Refers broadly to all matters relating to mental health problems, including mental disorders and mental distress.

Mentally vulnerable

Describes detainees who may not understand the meaning or importance of proceedings due to their mental state or capacity.

Mental health crisis

Describes any perceived emergency brought about by the experience of mental ill health or distress.

Learning disability

Defined as a state of arrested or incomplete development of the mind which includes significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning.

Learning difficulties and neuro-disabilities

Conditions that may compromise brain function, resulting in cognitive, communication, or emotional difficulties.

Autism

A lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates and relates to others.

Patient

Someone who is an inpatient in any hospital or has been 'sectioned' under the MHA 1983.

Mental health professional

A generic term for any number of professions providing care or treatment to people with mental ill health.

Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP)

Formerly known as an approved social worker, responsible for conducting assessments regarding hospital detention.

Responsible clinician (RC)

The individual with overall responsibility for a person detained for assessment or treatment in hospital.