Numbers of mentally ill in police cells deplorable say inspectors

Police have powers to take individuals suffering from mental health issues in a public place to a “place of safety” for their protection – but guidance states that in all but “exceptional” circumstances this should be in a hospital or health location.

Despite this, more than 9,000 people in 2011/12 were taken into police custody using powers under section 136 of the Mental Health Act, a joint report by HM Inspectorates of Constabulary and Prisons, the Care Quality Commission, and the Healthcare Inspectorate Wales said.

This is “clearly not an exceptional use of the power”, the inspectors added.

Some of the most common reasons given were insufficient staff and the absence of available beds at a health-based place of safety.

Speaking on behalf of all inspectors, Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Drusilla Sharpling said: “This report finds that too many people are being detained in police custody under section 136. Their only ‘crime’ is that they have mental disorders, but they are treated in many ways as if they are criminals. This deplorable situation cannot be allowed to continue.”

In most – 81 per cent – of the 70 cases examined as part of the inspection, the reason for detention was that the person had either attempted suicide or self-harm, or indicated they were thinking of doing so.

Last month it emerged that North Yorkshire was finally to open a “place of safety” for people with mental health problems after concerns grew over the hundreds of detainees being held for hours in police cells every year.

The county is the only area of the country without a designated facility for people to be taken after being sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

Nearly 500 people deemed in need of immediate care after being sectioned were held in police custody across North Yorkshire last year.

However Home Secretary Theresa May announced that a “health-based place of safety” will be open in Scarborough by October and two further facilities would be established by the end of March.