Psychiatric Referrals from the Police

Using the police cell as intervention in mental health crises: Qualitative approach to an interdisciplinary practice and its possible consequences

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to analyze the views of patients, police-officers and emergency mental health workers on the use of the police cell as intervention in a mental health crisis.

DESIGN AND METHODS

We analyzed interviews with individuals involved in police cell interventions, found first labels and categorized them in concordance with the four principles of biomedical ethics and compared them to relevant scientific literature.

FINDINGS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Professionals should know that emergency mental healthcare aimed at controlling the situation is not enough to provide good care. It probably generates better outcomes for patients in the short and long term when patient experiences are taken into consideration.

Police may underuse Section 136

A one-year prospective study comparing Section 136 patients (39) and the severe Section 2 or 4 patients (29) of the Mental Health Act 1983 in a hospital with inner London catchment areas. The assessments were clinical, nurses' ratings and socio-demographic. The results showed that clinical and nursing ratings did not differentiate the two groups. Most social/demographic data showed similar trends with both groups being disadvantaged but Section 136 patients slightly more so. The differences were smaller than anticipated, suggesting a recent shift of patients admitted under Section 2 or 4 towards a more socially disadvantaged position. In conclusion, police did not overuse Section 136. Our comparison suggests: (a) police may underuse Section 136, and (b) Section 136 acts as a valuable 'back-up' for those patients who would otherwise fail to benefit from the Mental Health Act.

Ethnic factors in voluntary and compulsory admissions

Socio-demographic and clinical aspects of compulsory and informal admissions to general adult psychiatry wards over a two-year period are compared. In addition, Afro-Caribbean patients are compared with white UK-born patients. Relative rates of admission are examined. The study confirms other reports of greater than expected compulsory admissions of Afro-Caribbean patients and pays particular attention to the circumstances preceding compulsory entry to hospital and the persons and agencies involved in that process.