❓ WA Parliamentary Question regarding police involvement in apprehending individuals under the Mental Health Act, focusing on training and support provided to officers. The answer details training programs and accompanying professionals.
AnsweredQoN 4973Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to police receiving requests for help under sections 34, 41, 58(1)(c), 71 or 84 of the
Mental Health Act 1996
to apprehend a person and take them to a place for examination, to an authorised hospital in Perth, anywhere else in Western Australia or outside the jurisdiction, in the 12 months to 1 April 2011, and I ask:
(a) how many police are dispatched to comply with such a request;
(b) what special training do those police who are carrying out these requests have; and
(c) what trained professionals accompany the police when such a request is made?
Mental Health Act 1996
to apprehend a person and take them to a place for examination, to an authorised hospital in Perth, anywhere else in Western Australia or outside the jurisdiction, in the 12 months to 1 April 2011, and I ask:
(a) how many police are dispatched to comply with such a request;
(b) what special training do those police who are carrying out these requests have; and
(c) what trained professionals accompany the police when such a request is made?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
17 May 2011
Responded by
Minister for Police
Response time
42 days
(a) In normal circumstances one vehicle (two officers) is tasked to attend.
(b) Training for police personnel who are required to apprehend people under the provisions of the Mental Health Act 1996 and convey them to a place for examination is provided by the Police Academy, as follows:
·
Foundation Training (Recruits)
Instruction is given in transport orders (Form 3) and the procedures attached to those orders including timeframes and mode of transportation, especially where aircraft transportation is required. Personnel from the Mental Health Emergency Response Line (MHERL) also deliver training to recruits in communication, recognition of symptoms and strategies for dealing with people suffering from mental illness.
·
In Service Training
. Instruction is delivered as part of the Officer Enhancement Course for a constable progressing to first class constable. Instruction includes powers to apprehend, transports orders and effective communication.
·
Operational Safety and Tactics Training Unit (OSTTU)
OSTTU are developing a package specifically dealing with Mental Health issues. The package includes instruction in recognising different types of mental illness. OSTTU deliver training in tactical communications (including body language) and empty hand control. Whilst not specifically targeted at mental health issues it encompasses procedures about how to deal safely with any person in custody.
(c) Depending upon the circumstances:
· Health professionals from the Department of Health.
· St John's Ambulance officers.
· Royal Flying Doctor Service health professionals.
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(b) Training for police personnel who are required to apprehend people under the provisions of the Mental Health Act 1996 and convey them to a place for examination is provided by the Police Academy, as follows:
·
Foundation Training (Recruits)
Instruction is given in transport orders (Form 3) and the procedures attached to those orders including timeframes and mode of transportation, especially where aircraft transportation is required. Personnel from the Mental Health Emergency Response Line (MHERL) also deliver training to recruits in communication, recognition of symptoms and strategies for dealing with people suffering from mental illness.
·
In Service Training
. Instruction is delivered as part of the Officer Enhancement Course for a constable progressing to first class constable. Instruction includes powers to apprehend, transports orders and effective communication.
·
Operational Safety and Tactics Training Unit (OSTTU)
OSTTU are developing a package specifically dealing with Mental Health issues. The package includes instruction in recognising different types of mental illness. OSTTU deliver training in tactical communications (including body language) and empty hand control. Whilst not specifically targeted at mental health issues it encompasses procedures about how to deal safely with any person in custody.
(c) Depending upon the circumstances:
· Health professionals from the Department of Health.
· St John's Ambulance officers.
· Royal Flying Doctor Service health professionals.
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
http://www.rtlib.com
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