Dyfed Powys Police trial triage service to keep mentally ill people out of police cells

A street triage which cares for those in mental distress during police incidents has helped more than 80 people with face-to-face support in its first six months.

The service, which sees Dyfed-Powys Police working with healthcare professionals, has resulted in police cell detentions of those showing signs of mental distress falling from 83 between Jan and Jun 2013, to 31 for the same period this year.

185 others were given advice and guidance by phone and other methods.

The Welsh Government is expected to unveil a national arrangement (concordat) on how organisations can work together to ensure people get the help they need during a mental health crisis.

Calls where police or call handlers suspect specialist help is needed are referred to a trained officer and a mental health expert.

The team have access to a specially adapted van to respond to people in distress.

One officer has been seconded for the duration of the project, with others from the force also given training to better understand conditions people might be facing.

Watch the report from Mike Griffiths below: