Report Summary
Our advisors have analysed HMICS's Thematic Review of Policing Mental Health in Scotland. This item discusses the recent review conducted by HMICS into the policing of complex mental health-related incidents and impacts on workforce concern. It discusses the need for a whole-system response; highlights findings related to leadership, vision, and delivery; and identifies recommendations with relevance to policing oversight
Context
- The Scottish Health Survey 2019 estimated that around one in four people were affected by poor mental health each year in Scotland.
- Lady Angiolini’s recommended as part of her 2020 Independent Review of Police complaints handling, investigations and misconduct issues, that HMICS should conduct a Review of the efficiency and effectiveness of the whole-system approach to mental health.
- Consultation feedback to HMICS’ Scrutiny Plan 2022-25 from Police Scotland (PS) officers and staff suggested that policing of mental health-related incidents was a notable workforce concern.
- In December 2022, HMICS established a review team and published terms of reference in January 2023, with the review to examine five objectives:
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- How well-prepared Police Scotland is to meet the needs of people who are experiencing poor mental health.
- Whether the police response to mental health-related demand affects the efficiency and effectiveness of the force in delivering other policing services.
- Whether the force understands the demand associated with the provision of mental health-related policing services.
- The effectiveness of the force’s collaborative working arrangements on the provision of mental health-related policing services.
- The impact that the involvement of the police has on the person who is experiencing poor mental health.
- Within the response for the factual accuracy check, feedback was provided by the Authority Chair to HMICS noting that not taking a whole system approach could be considered a missed opportunity.
