Central Coast first region to introduce mental health specialists in police stations
The Central Coast is the first region in NSW to roll out a program which places mental health specialists in local police stations.
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The Central Coast will be the first region to roll out a program which places mental health professionals in police stations.
From June 29, five mental health specialists will be stationed at Brisbane Water and Tuggerah Lakes police commands to help with mental health emergencies to ensure care is given as soon as possible.
The coast was chosen for the pilot program as it has the highest number of regional mental health emergencies.
NSW Mental Health Minister Bronnie Taylor visited Gosford police station to announce the Police Ambulance and Clinical Early Response (PACER) pilot program.
“It not only has the potential to change lives, it saves lives,” she said.
“What we’re doing is possibly helping and intervening with someone who is having their worst possible day during a mental health crisis to make sure we are on a pathway to rehabilitation not incarceration.”
She said the program had been a success in Kogarah with police saving up to 45 minutes for situations which require mental health care. The program has also reduced the number of mental health presentations at the local hospital’s emergency department.
Brisbane Water Police District’s Superintendent Tony Joice said the coast’s two police districts had more mental health emergency transports than any other regional police district in NSW.
“Last year 5500 people were taken to the local emergency department with a mental health emergency,” Superintendent Joice said.
“We think this collaboration will lead to better outcomes for both our officers and the individuals in need of assistance, and reduce the amount of time spent at the scene.”
Central Coast Local Health District chief executive Dr Andrew Montague said this was a fantastic initiative which will treat people at the time they are having a crisis.
Central Coast Parliamentary Secretary Adam Crouch said the $1m investment for the coast was a critical step towards integrating mental health services with law enforcement.
“This means that our police and mental health clinicians will be able to work side-by-side to deliver the best outcomes for people when they need it most,” he said.
“Transporting people experiencing a mental health episode to an emergency department by police can increase stigma and even stop people from seeking help in the future.”
The program is part of the State Government's $6.1m investment to put 36 mental health clinicians across 12 police area commands.