The mere presence of police uniforms, firearms, lights, and sirens can potentially escalate situations, intimidate people experiencing a mental health crisis and increase the potential of adverse outcomes, according to a recently released NSW Police internal review.
The National Justice Project is leading an Australian campaign to advocate for appropriate first responders instead of police attending to people in a health or social crisis, especially those related to mental health. The human rights legal service met last week with community stakeholders to begin developing a campaign for more effective responses when people call Triple Zero (000) or come into contact with police when needing mental and social support.
Principal Solicitor Emma Hearne said the NSW Police review highlighted the growing concern on a national and international level of the need for health-led initiatives to better address mental health issues in the community.
“There is an urgent need for better and safer options to respond to these incidents as we can’t continue to see police used as ad-hoc mental health responders putting more lives at risk,” she said.
“This national campaign will address the critical need to not only explore alternative first responders but to call for states and territories to implement them as a priority for the safety of our communities.
“Police – by their own admission – do not have the training, skills, or experience to serve as first responders in situations where a health or social response is needed.
“We look forward to continue working with community organisations on this campaign including Change the Record, Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research, Justice Reform Initiative, LGBTI Legal Service, Social Reinvestment WA, Youth Advocacy Centre (QLD), SANE Australia and Seeds of Affinity-Pathways for Women.
“Our campaign will acknowledge the families, communities and kinship already on the frontlines trying to support the health and social responses needed for people experiencing mental health crises,” Ms Hearne said.
