Shift In Protocols Sees 7370 Less Mental Health Cases In NZ

Police are further scaling back their involvement in mental health callouts, attending 7370 fewer incidents in the year to June as part of a deliberate nationwide shift to limit their role in non-emergency situations.

According to a report by RNZ, Phase three of the new mental health response model came into effect on Monday, introducing tougher criteria for when officers should step in. From now on, all non-urgent mental health-related requests, including calls from in-patient units, community mental health services, and those made under mental health legislation, will be assessed under updated guidance to determine whether police attendance is required.

Reports of missing persons with mental health concerns will also go through the new decision framework to identify the level of police involvement.

The phased wind-back began last year, and earlier stages have already reduced the amount of time officers spend in emergency departments, raised the threshold for transporting people in mental distress, and restricted where mental health assessments can occur, RNZ reported.

Despite the changes, police say they will continue to respond whenever there is a clear risk to life or safety, or when a criminal offence is involved.

Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson said phases one and two had run smoothly, giving police confidence to move into the next stage.

“On day one of phase three, we had a non-urgent transport request from Gore, which we assessed and responded to with staff,” he said, noting that the new system does not prevent assistance; it simply makes it more targeted, reported RNZ.

Health NZ’s director of specialist mental health and addiction, Karla Bergquist, said mental health teams now have much clearer national guidance on when to call police.

“We’ve also strengthened communication pathways so staff can convey exactly what support is needed,” she said, as reported by RNZ.

Johnson said processes for handling cases involving missing people with mental health needs have been streamlined, and new training has been issued for both police and health personnel.

The final stage of the plan, due early next year, will introduce 15-minute ED handovers and raise the threshold for welfare checks where no risk is identified.

Authorities stress that 111 should still be the first point of contact in any emergency involving risk or harm.