Demand for mental health call-outs in Jersey has 'significantly' increased

States of Jersey Police Credit: States of Jersey Police

New figures show the demand for mental health call-outs by Jersey Police has nearly trebled in the last five years.

The data comes from the States of Jersey Police Annual Performance Review 2016.

Overall, the report shows there has been a "significant increase in the demand for non-crime related police services".

In particular, the police have dealt with more welfare checks and mental health issues in 2016, compared to 2012.

According to the report, these tend to involve vulnerable people and include:

  • Medical matters

  • Concern for child welfare

  • Potential suicidal or self-harm tendencies

  • Vagrancy

  • Alcohol related issues.

States of Jersey Police say they are taking steps to "safeguard and support vulnerable people in Jersey".

The work includes plans for a possible new mental health ‘street triage’ partnership between the Police and Health and Social Services Department.

The States of Jersey Police say they want to "avoid the inappropriate use of police cells".

They hope the scheme can be a ’place of safety’ and ‘crisis centre’ for those in need.