Thematic review of policing mental health in Scotland

The policing of mental health-related incidents was the area discussed most by officers and staff who took part in the consultation for our Scrutiny Plan 2022-25. HMICS established a review team in December 2022, and terms of reference were published in January 2023. The review was to consider the following five objectives: ■ How well-prepared Police Scotland is to meet the needs of people who are experiencing poor mental health ■ Whether the police response to mental health-related demand affects the efficiency and effectiveness of the force in delivering other policing services ■ Whether the force understands the demand associated with the provision of mental health-related policing services ■ The effectiveness of the force’s collaborative working arrangements on the provision of mental health-related policing services ■ The impact that the involvement of the police has on the person who is experiencing poor mental health.