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The report was prepared for Poto Williams, who has taken over as police minister since the general election. Photo / RNZ
By RNZ
Nearly 60,000 calls to police in the last financial year involved a person who was having a mental health crisis, was in distress, or was threatening suicide.
A briefing for the new police minister, Poto Williams, also said that the police respond to 90 percent of suicide calls and 45 percent of other mental health calls.
“We want to ensure that increases in demand can be managed and that people with mental health problems and crises receive the right help at the right time,” the report said.
A police spokesman said that the responsibility for providing services under the Mental Health Act rests primarily with mental health services, but police help where the legislation provides for police intervention.
“Our front-line staff receive mental health training as a recruit, and the police have refresher e-learning modules. Staff also undergo two-year refresher maintenance training, which has a specific focus on vulnerable people. and suicide prevention, “the spokesman said.
Officers on the police negotiation team have specialized training in people going through a crisis, as well as suicide interventions, the spokesman said.
This year, the Wellington District Police, Wellington Free Ambulance and Coast and Capital DHB launched a Co-Response Team (CRT) to provide comprehensive service to people with mental health problems.
“It is an innovative approach that enables a health-based response as the preferred option to address emergency calls related to mental health.”
Police hope that the response team, which is being independently assessed by the University of Otago, will provide a model for other districts in the country to follow.
Where to get help:
• Life line: 0800 543 354 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828865 (0508 SUPPORT) (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
• Youth Services: (06) 3555 906
• Youth line: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
• What happens: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• Helpline for depression: 0800111757 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
• Rainbow youth: (09) 376 4155
• CASPER suicide prevention
If it is an emergency and you feel that you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
– RNZ
