Next phase of Right Care Right Person set to roll out in Wiltshire

Wiltshire’s police and crime commissioner has welcomed the introduction of the next phase of a national model which ensures vulnerable people get the right support, from the right agency - while also freeing police to concentrate on keeping communities free from crime.

Right Care, Right Person was introduced in the Wiltshire Police area in April this year with police not attending calls for service about concern for the welfare of a person, or those who have walked out of a healthcare setting and people who are absent without leave (AWOL) from mental health services, unless there is a threat to life.

A second phase relating to medical incidents will be implemented from next week ( 14 Oct.) This includes where a member of the public or partner agency requests police to attend a medical incident or medical incidents where police are already present. This includes mental health and physical health conditions.

Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “While Wiltshire Police has a crucial duty to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure community safety, it is equally important to use limited policing resources effectively.

“It is vital those facing mental health crises access support from trained professionals rather than relying on police officers, who are not equipped or trained to handle such situations. It is encouraging to see all agencies in Wiltshire collaborating to achieve the best outcomes for vulnerable individuals at the heart of this approach as we progress through each implementation phase.

“Wiltshire Police and my office remains committed to ensuring that the right agency addresses the needs of vulnerable individuals from the outset, rather than diminishing policing services. I will be asking Wiltshire Police to continuously assess the effectiveness of this approach in our communities and will seek assurances from the Chief Constable regarding its implementation.”

Superintendent David Minty, Wiltshire Police Head of Contact Management, added: “Right Care Right Person is focused on giving the most appropriate and beneficial care to members of our communities. There are circumstances where our partners in other agencies are best placed to offer support to vulnerable people.

“Wiltshire Police and our partner agencies already have close working relationships and protocols in place but what Right Care Right Person helps provide is a nationally recognised model and decision-making toolkit to ensure people receive the most appropriate care.

“Right Care Right Person will not stop the police attending incidents where there is a threat to life or risk of immediate serious harm to an individual. We have a duty to protect our communities and we will continue to do so.” 

Areas the Right Care Right Person next phase implementation relates to includes:

• Police will not attend calls to incidents when they are identified as a medical issue unless there is also a policing need identified, for example if required to support with a road closure or violence reported at the scene 
• Police will not generally transport patients as they are not suitably trained or have appropriate vehicles
• Section 135 and 136 of the Mental Health Act - relating to when police officers are required to detain an individual if they are deemed at risk of harming themselves or others. Well-established processes are already in place regarding this and will continue

The Right Care Right Person framework was first developed by Humberside Police following an increase in health-related calls that did not fall within the core responsibilities of policing. A national partnership agreement has since been signed at ministerial level for Right Care Right Person to be rolled out across all police areas.