Police need better coordination on mental health emergencies, study shows
Medical Xpress
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A new study highlights the critical issue of poor coordination between agencies in responding to mental health emergencies, despite police forces across England and Wales handling a significant number of such incidents. While policies like the Right Care, Right Person (RCRP) initiative aim to reduce police involvement, the lack of effective collaboration continues to hinder efforts to provide timely and appropriate care for individuals in crisis.
The study reveals that police officers often face challenges in accessing mental health services due to fragmented systems and limited resources. This lack of coordination can result in delays in obtaining proper support for those in need, leading to prolonged detentions or unnecessary hospitalizations. Such outcomes not only fail to address the root causes of mental health crises but also place an additional burden on emergency services.
Effective collaboration between police, healthcare providers, social services,
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Originally published on Medical Xpress on 2/20/2026