Police Mental Health Response Changes to Expand
New Guidelines Take Effect Monday
A staged shift in police responses to mental health crises hits another milestone on Monday, marking a significant change in how these situations are handled. This follows an initiative announced last August to reduce police involvement and increase health-led responses.
Handover Time Limits Begin
The second phase of this initiative involves a new 60-minute limit on patient handovers at emergency departments nationwide. Furthermore, individuals experiencing mental distress must be assessed in healthcare settings rather than police cells. These shifts are part of a broader, year-long program that aims to change the way mental health crises are addressed.
The rollout has encountered delays due to the preparedness of some health services in specific areas. This phase is set to begin in the third and final group of regions, impacting multiple Health NZ and police districts, and specific areas within districts.
Regional Impacts
The changes will take effect in Northland, Taranaki, Whanganui, and MidCentral Health NZ districts, along with Northland and Central police districts. Specific areas like Tokoroa, Taumarunui, Taupō, Wairoa, Waitaki, and Southern Lakes will also see these changes, as will areas within districts such as Taupo, Tokoroa, Wairoa, Central Lakes, and Waitaki.
Mike Johnson, police assistant commissioner, said both police and health entities are committed to joint efforts to give people access to the appropriate support at the ideal moment. He stated, “Police have always, and will always, respond when there is an immediate risk to life or safety. The change is about an increased health-led response, enabling our staff more time to get back into our communities do the work that only police can.”
Karla Bergquist, Health NZ director of specialist mental health and addiction, mentioned the availability of a range of mental health support services for those in need. She stated that this change is about ensuring people receive the right care at the right time, while maintaining safety. She added, “I’d like to assure the public there is a range of services to help people in mental distress or those who are concerned about the mental health of whānau.”
Crisis support teams are accessible locally for individuals facing severe mental distress or crises.
According to the World Health Organization, access to mental health services remains a significant global challenge, with many countries struggling to meet the needs of their populations (World Health Organization, 2024).
Next Steps
Detailed planning for Phase Three is underway, with hoped-for new implementation dates coming soon. Collaboration with each district will ensure a successful, joint approach. Implementation dates for Phase Four are unconfirmed, but it will follow Phase Three.
Phase Three, initially slated for April to June, involves new response thresholds to requests from health practitioners, and for missing person reports from mental health facilities. Phase Four, originally planned for July to September, will cut ED handovers to 15 minutes, unless there is an immediate safety risk, and fewer welfare checks where there is no risk of criminality or to life or safety.
Police have acknowledged the complexities of these changes, with further consideration and consultation ahead of final decisions.
For mental health crisis phone numbers, click here.
