Police education and mental health - A problem for the democratic policing Model?

The so-called ‘democratic policing model’ utilised in most developed countries across the world encourages participation from all within communities to engage in a decision making process, which ensure all people are represented and receive the service they deserve. In support of this concept, there is an assumption that the police receive much education and training which would allow them to appreciate the difficulties experienced by such people and the importance of interacting with individuals suffering from mental health problems. Indeed in the UK successive government policies such as ‘Care in the Community’, has increased the number of contacts police have with such individuals on a daily basis. However, the idea of the democratic policing model may be undermined due in part to the lack
of training received and understanding displayed by police officers to those people suffering from mental health. Utilising examples from England and Wales, this presentation will discuss
such issues, the impact for the police organisation and also for individuals who may not have a voice in the way they are policed.