Dorset Police’s Reduced Welfare Call Responses Deemed Successful

A police and crime commissioner (PCC) has indicated that an initiative by police to respond to fewer welfare and mental health incidents is demonstrating early signs of success. PCC David Sidwick informed the county’s crime panel that Dorset Police started decreasing its responses to “concern for welfare” incidents in April and to cases involving missing patients in July. According to Mr. Sidwick, initial indications suggest a reduction in police workload without any negative consequences. The commissioner stated that the force stands to save 2,500 officer hours annually as a result of the national Right Care, Right Person initiative. This protocol, an agreement between police forces and the NHS, commenced implementation in 2023. Its objective is “to end the inappropriate and avoidable involvement of police in responding to incidents involving people with mental health needs,” as stated by the Department of Health. Mr. Sidwick conveyed to the panel: “Indications are that the roll-out is progressing successfully.” He added: “It’s a small measure, but my inbox has not changed around this sort of issue.” “I’m very clear that Dorset Police must focus on their core policing duties.” A report from the panel noted: “There is clear evidence that the new working practices are embedding well and that superior outcomes are being delivered.” The report provided instances where police opted not to respond to requests from social workers to verify the welfare of individuals at their residences. Nevertheless, it clarified that officers would continue to respond to authentic emergencies. The report also indicated that Dorset Police plans to introduce additional phases of this policy in the forthcoming months. Starting in November, officers intend to decrease their reliance on emergency powers for detaining individuals undergoing a mental health crisis. Furthermore, the force will reduce the transportation of patients beginning in January 2025. The commissioner recognized that this shift could impact the NHS in Dorset, potentially necessitating the redesign of certain services and incurring additional expenses. He commented: “More money for mental health would be something which I think we would all be grateful for.”