§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many health authorities have agreed protocols with the police to accept into their care those with mental health needs who are detained by the police for their own safety; how many are under negotiation; and how many have no agreed procedures. [144677]
§ Mr. HuttonAll health authorities should have agreed protocols, the guidelines for which are laid out in Chapter 10 of the Mental Health Act 1983 Code of Practice. The police power to remove to a place of safety 597W (section 136) depends on the local social services authority, health authority, trust and the chief constable establishing a clear policy for the use of power. All the professionals involved in the implementation should understand the power and its purpose and the person's other rights and follow the local policy. All local social services authorities, health authorities and trusts should have in place clear policies agreed with chief constables for the removal of people with a mental illness to a place of safety.
Details of individual protocols are not held centrally.