Today a report was published by Lord Adebowale, the Chief Executive of Turning Point, into the handling of mental ill health incidents by the Metropolitan Police. The Commission he headed was set up by the Commissioner, Sir Bernard HOGAN-HOWE, to examine how they could better police incidents connected to mental illness. In particular, it was set up following the inquest into the death of Sean RIGG which concluded last year that the actions of Metropolitan Police officers “more than minimally contributed” to his death.
The Commission took a wide range of evidence from many people and the only police officer on the board of it was Chief Constable Simon COLE, the ACPO Lead on Mental Health and Disability. Controversy was suggested early on when organisations like Inquest and Black Mental Health UK were not asked to provide a panel member, but I hope those organisations feel they had ample chance to put their view across around deaths in custody and black and minority ethnic mental health issues. Obviously, the cross-over is where previous tragedies have occurred involving the police, although not just in the Metropolitan Police area.
I was honoured to be asked to speak to the Commission: one of the members being Paul FARMER, the Chief Executive of Mind, he recommended by work to Lord ADEBOWALE after receiving last year’s Mind Digital Media Award. I spent two very enjoyable hours talking to them about the whole nature and variety of mental health demand and was asked tough questions about canteen culture in the police, racism and leadership and mental health issues. As well as being able to explain some of my views about restraint indicating potential medical emergency and my “twenty percent theory” – I was interested they had concluded a similar number – I hope what I had to say was of some help to them.
Read the report for yourself – it is fascinating in many regards and it is tough: when I have fully digested it and have the time to quote and summarise it, I will write a response.
- The Full Report
- The Executive Summary
REACTIONS TO THE REPORT
- Metropolitan Police – press release from the Commissioner, Sir Bernard HOGAN-HOWE
- Mind – press release from our major mental health charity.
- Centre for Mental Health – press release.
NB: this picture is the mental image that sits in my head of policing the Olympics in London in 2012 as I was posted to duties at the ExCeL and the O2 arenas. A brilliant, world class city in which millions of people suffer from mental ill health.
Winner of the President’s Medal, the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
Winner of the Mind Digital Media Award
All opinions expressed are my own – they do not represent the views of any organisation. (c) Michael Brown, 2013
I try to keep this blog up to date, but inevitably over time, amendments to the law as well as court rulings and other findings from inquests and complaints processes mean it is difficult to ensure all the articles and pages remain current. Please ensure you check all legal issues in particular and take appropriate professional advice where necessary.
Government legislation website – www.legislation.gov.uk
Mental Health Cop 
Interesting and balanced report – very pleased they addressed a series of ‘political’ issues without being dragged into banging the drum on an agenda. At the same time, they have not pulled any punches.
Good to see yourself and your blog creditted.
I don’t think it is right to blame the police entirely as much of the blame lies with the professionals and complete care system both NHS/private care and community.
I have seen good and bad reactions by police in relation to m y daughter – 8 times admitted to local level.
It can be threatening to see someone in uniform to a patient suffering from say Akathisia, a feeling like you are crawling out of your skin according to my daughter and she has described nightmares, hallucinations, intense fear
and anxiety.
The Police training film was excellent as I was on the course, relating to restraint however there have been good and bad reactions from the police towards my daughter and it should not be forgotten that these drugs have already in some cases affected a patient – Clozapine affects the heart and I begged for my daughter not to go on this but they forced it on her – together with an off label drug called Metformine. So a patient’s health is already undermined and my daughter has complained many times of palpitations and strain to her heart and that is why safe restraint is essential.
Some response I have seen from the police has been good but any threats – you cannot threaten someone who is suffering from Akathisia. You cannot also take things personally when someone is like that.
http:://wwwnationalpsychosisunit.blogspot.com
youtube.com/user/Psychosis
Dr Ann Blake Tracy – Prozac Panacea Pandora
Dr Candace Pert – Molecules of Emotion
Dr Walsh – Nutrient Power
Prof Healy Pharmageddon
There are many more professionals now speaking out against the drugs as they themselves can cause psychosis and can act as LSD causing severe aggression or mood swings to rock bottom suicide.
In additional someone from the police should attend the forthcoming Chy Sawel Conference in November. I pray this can be set up as I am in so much despair with the current inhumane system of forced drugging and a law that fails to protect the patient with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 being abused.
The police need to act in a different way and maybe call in a peer support worker first of all rather than 11 officers – also a friend of a pet can diffuse the situation. I appreciate the police have to deal with something that professionals are not prepared to deal with in many cases and it is a pity they do not go out and meet the patients and see for themselves how these patients are treated on the wards. The police should not rely solely on the professionals as I have seen many inaccuracies in the files.
well done on being included richly deserved. the police in my area (kent) do a great job, have to say though a short elearning course on mh is just rubbish
Thanks for good site.
Is there a MPS Response to Adebowale ? If so does the link work?
MPS response was a press release on the afternoon (linked above) stating that they will now go away and consider what needs to be done.
Thanks
well lets hope the Commissioner is doing plenty behind the scenes as 10 of Adebowale’s recommendations called for immediate implementation and 1 within three months.
Using this to try to get changes in my force. Waiting for acpo means possibly more avoidable deaths.