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Police Custody Officer

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Mental Health: Intervention Skills for the Emergency Services

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Abstract

Detention in police custody of people displaying signs of mental ill-health, in particular those detained under Section 135 (s135) or Section 136 (s136) of the Mental Health Act, 1983, has long been a cause of concern for the police custody officer. Few police stations have custody areas appropriate for such individual needs. This chapter will explore the development of the policing role in relation to supporting individuals in a ‘place of safety’ as compared with supporting other detainees with mental health disorders. It will identify key influences in promoting change in approaches during the second decade of the twenty-first century, in particular legislative amendments, and increased healthcare considerations whilst in custody. Reference will be made to diversion and liaison initiatives being introduced across England and Wales.

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  1. University of Teesside, Middlesbrough, UK

    Ruth McGrath

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  1. Ruth McGrath
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  1. Middlesbrough, UK

    Tricia Scott

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McGrath, R. (2023). Police Custody Officer. In: Scott, T. (eds) Mental Health: Intervention Skills for the Emergency Services. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-20347-3_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-20347-3_4

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