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Issue No. 380 May 2014

Mental health roles clarified

Police and the Ministry of Health are working together to ensure the most appropriate joint response to vulnerable people with mental health problems.

The Director of Mental Health and Police have clarified procedures relating to responsibilities of Police
staff and Duly Authorised Officers (DAOs) from the Ministry of Health.

These include assessment of people under the influence of drugs or alcohol under the Mental Health
(CAT) Act 1992, transport and legislative obligations.

Inspector Sue Douglas, national Mental Health Team project manager, says the aim is to bring clarity to a challenging area of policing.

For example, if a person exhibiting signs of possible mental disorder is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, this should not prevent an assessment. DAOs should not ask police to detain someone for sobering up before assessment.

The DAO is responsible for arranging transport of people requiring assessment, with police assistance when their powers and expertise are required, such as when there is risk of harm. A DAO must accompany any transport.

Sue says staff must also be careful to use appropriate powers to enter private property. "If relying on the Mental Health (CAT) Act, entry must be at the request of a DAO. However other enactments can be considered, in particular Section 14 of the Search and Surveillance Act if there's risk to life and safety. That risk needs to be continually assessed.

"We need to work collaboratively with mental health services. However if you have concerns about the inter-agency response, record the circumstances and advise your police mental health liaison officer."


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