A police officer and a community psychiatric nurse work together, sharing information and expertise.
Both parties assess situations with the nurse using mental health expertise, access to diagnosis and risk history, and the officer looking at the law/crime, offending history and current situation. Together they decide the most appropriate course of action, taking into consideration customer care, illness, safeguarding and the law.
They liaise with acute services, (paramedics, in-patient services, liaison services, crisis and home treatment teams), Primary Care Mental Health (Community Mental Health Teams, Early Intervention Teams, Learning Disability services, CAMHS, older peoples services, Drug and Alcohol services) and all assessment and documentation is forwarded to the allocated GP.
The scheme has improved inter-agency relations including local authorities and charity sector, delivered better patient experience and delivered a cost saving to both NHS and Constabulary due to reduced A&E admissions.
There has been a 91% reduction in officers taking people to hospital for assessment under section 136 of the Mental Health Act, while Street Triage has been on duty.