Co-responding police and mental health service models: an exploration of how effective collaborative models are in responding to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis

Abstract

Background/Aims Joint working or co-responding police and mental health services are becoming increasingly common throughout the UK and aim to provide both effective and timely de-escalation and support to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. Co-responding police and mental health services also aim to reduce unnecessary accident and emergency visits, provide signposting to appropriate services for longer-term care and to prevent injury to the individual, the general public, and health and social care colleagues. The aim of this article was to explore how effective co-responding police and mental health service models are at responding to an individual experiencing a mental health crisis. Methods This literature review was carried out through the use of thematic analysis. Databases including EBSCO, Medline, Psychinfo and AMED. Results A total of eight articles were reviewed. The review found that service users have largely positive feedback about the mental health care that they receive when in a mental health crisis, and services should be tailored to meet the needs of the geographical area. Conclusions There are a number of frameworks that can be implemented to respond to an individual experiencing a mental health crisis, including co-responding police mental health teams and the provision of comprehensive mental health training to police officers. Any model implemented must be constructed and launched in a thoughtful manner to meet the needs of the population.