SAMH CONFERENCE A VIEW FROM THE FRONTLINE SAMH CONFERENCE 23 November 2010 Mr Patrick Shearer President ACPOS & Chief Constable Dumfries & Galloway Constabulary

Alcohol use in Scotland In 2009, there were 1,282 alcohol-related deaths Male mortality rates doubled due to liver cirrhosis Youth Alcohol abuse increasing 17,021 alcohol licenses 1 license for approximately every 240 people

Alcohol use in Scotland Victim Perception 62% of offenders of violent crime were under the influence of alcohol, 12% higher than England 30% of violent crime victims stated that they had consumed alcohol a short time before the incident. the total cost of alcohol misuse to Scotland is estimated to be around £2.25 billion in – over £500 per year for every adult living in Scotland

Social Harm of Alcohol Anti Social Behaviour Mental Health Domestic Abuse Deaths Self Harm Road Safety

National Issues Mental Health (Care & Treatment) (S) Act Diagnosis of mental illness. Economic climate.

ACPOS - Mental Health Group 2010/2011 Priorities To support the development and delivery of mental health and suicide awareness training within the Scottish Police Service Develop an ACPOS Suicide Prevention Strategy for the Scottish Police Service, thus fully contributing to the National Suicide Prevention Strategy in Scotland Ensure the Scottish Police Service is part of a partnership approach to responding effectively to the challenges associated with psychiatric emergencies To identify relevant key performance indicators which will assist the Scottish Police Service measure performance in relation to policing mental health

POLICE AND MENTAL HEALTH - WHY DO WE ARREST? WHY DO WE ARREST  Person is a danger to themselves  Danger to others  To provide for basic physical needs in order to protect him/herself from serious harm.  Lack of other options  Offence may have been committed OPTIONS  Hospital Admission  Informal options

Hospital Admission Lack of beds Seriously ill – not delusional or suicidal Mentally unstable, alcoholic or categorised by hospital staff as dangerous, not welcome in hospital Under the influence Previous behaviour

Arrest Care and Custody Suitable place ???? Resources Costs Training Medical Provision

Other Considerations Neighbourhood characters Troublemakers Quiet, Unobtrusive

Under Reporting Difficulty in approaching the police  do not know how to complain;  are afraid they will not be believed or will be perceived as a nuisance;  have difficulty in communicating;  have low self-esteem;  are unaware of their rights;  are afraid of having to cope with a stressful situation (eg being in a police station).

Mental Health and the Future Evolve and meet future challenges Address funding mental health issues in the community More integrated system More adequate training for police officers Creative budgeting Multi Agency Approach and better collaborative working