First reported 1 Nov 2013•Latest report 5 Mar 2026
Definition
What this concern includes
Includes failures of the dedicated operational liaison interface between police and mental health services, including direct contact arrangements, prompt two-way communication, sharing of risk information and coordination of action for people presenting violence, missing-person, custody or other pressing mental-health-related risks.
Not included
Excludes generic communication, staffing, training or information-sharing deficiencies without a specific police–mental-health operational liaison context.
Excludes failures confined to internal mental health assessment, treatment, referral or care coordination where police liaison is not the shared unsafe condition.
Excludes police or ambulance response failures that do not involve operational liaison with mental health services.
Excludes routine strategic meetings or general partnership governance that do not support frontline, safety-critical risk assessment or management.
Reports
12
Distinct published reports
Individual concerns
14
A report can raise multiple concerns
Date range
2013–2026
First to latest report issue date
Stated actions
32
Described in published responses
Reports over time
Reports over time
Reports about this concern issued each year.
* 2026 is projected from reports observed to 7 Sep 2026.
Most frequent recipients
Most frequent recipients
Reports about this concern sent to each recipient.
Metropolitan Police Service3
Department of Health and Social Care2
East London NHS Foundation Trust2
Home Office2
National Police Chiefs’ Council2
NHS England2
Sussex Police2
College of Policing1
Derbyshire Constabulary1
Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust1
East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust1
Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust1
Essex Police1
Greater Manchester Police1
Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust1
NHS trust10
Police force10
Ministerial department3
National policing body3
Executive non-departmental public body2
English metropolitan district council1
Prison operator1
Concerns and responses across reports
Only concerns grouped under this recurring concern are included. Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.
East London
Concerns raised1
Failure to provide prompt direct operational liaison between mental health services and police
This report raised 8 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.11
Action
Engage with the Metropolitan Police Service to review and agree strengthened operational liaison arrangements for high-risk situations involving mental ill health.
Stated by North East London NHS Foundation TrustStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 9 March 2026.
Action
Review existing information-sharing pathways with Mental Health Trusts to identify inconsistencies and gaps.
Stated by Metropolitan Police ServiceStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 9 March 2026.
Action
Meet with North East London and East London NHS Foundation Trusts to discuss improved operational information flow, contact points and escalation routes.
Stated by Metropolitan Police ServiceStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 9 March 2026.
Action
Develop a London-wide direct liaison protocol defining urgent contact arrangements, accessibility, responsibilities, escalation and lawful information sharing.
Stated by Metropolitan Police ServiceStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 9 March 2026.
Action
Remind Borough Commanders to ensure officers use the Mental Health Clinical Advice Line when responding to people experiencing mental ill health.
Stated by Metropolitan Police ServiceStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 9 March 2026.
Action
Publish the Mental Health Clinical Advice Line reminder on the Mental Health page of the Public Protection SharePoint.
Stated by Metropolitan Police ServiceStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 9 March 2026.
Action
Continue working with Mental Health Trust Leads and the Joint Mental Health and Police Group to refine operational communication and escalation arrangements.
Stated by Metropolitan Police ServiceStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 9 March 2026.
Action
Train Tower Hamlets staff on expectations for contacting police after Right Care, Right Person commenced.
Stated by East London NHS Foundation TrustStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 9 March 2026.
Action
Create a monthly liaison meeting between local police and the Tower Hamlets directorate to discuss inpatient and community service concerns.
Stated by East London NHS Foundation TrustStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 9 March 2026.
Action
Disseminate updated instructions to clinicians on contacting police and following agreed processes.
Stated by East London NHS Foundation TrustStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 9 March 2026.
Action
Meet senior Metropolitan Police Service and NHS leaders to discuss changes and strengthen joint working, including direct liaison, escalation, safeguarding, frontline collaboration, and training.
Stated by East London NHS Foundation TrustStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 9 March 2026.
South Yorkshire (Western)
Concerns raised1
Failure to appropriately communicate key information in police handovers for people detained under the Mental Health Act
This report raised 3 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.4
Action
Amend Form 1157 and the supporting policy to mandate structured recording and handover of risk information across specified mental-health conveyances.
Stated by Greater Manchester PoliceStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 29 January 2026.
Action
Update, test and release the Form 1157 mobile app with the revised structure and mandatory risk-information fields.
Stated by Greater Manchester PoliceStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 29 January 2026.
Action
Integrate case learning on risk identification, documentation and information sharing into Missing Person CPD and promoted-officer skills courses.
Stated by Greater Manchester PoliceStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 29 January 2026.
Action
Produce and publish a mental-health missing-persons CPD video covering risk assessment, conveyance responsibilities and structured hospital handovers.
Stated by Greater Manchester PoliceStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 29 January 2026.
South Yorkshire (Western)
Concerns raised1
Lack of an out-of-hours local protocol for police access to mental health advice
This report raised 10 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.1
Action
Support forces to develop local protocols with partner agencies.
Stated by College of PolicingStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 29 July 2025.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1
Position
Operational and local partnership concerns are being addressed by Nottinghamshire Police, which is providing the full response.
Stated by College of PolicingRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
South Yorkshire (Western)
Concerns raised1
Inadequate liaison between police and enhanced community mental health teams when people are in custody
This report raised 2 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
No linked response statements
No respondent-stated action or position is linked to these concerns in the published data.
West Sussex, Brighton and Hove
Concerns raised2
Lack of defined information-sharing arrangements for the Rapid Response Service
Failure to ensure police officers understand mental health issues and referral information requirements
This report raised 4 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.1
Action
Develop a trust-wide Standard Operational Procedure covering partner contact arrangements, risk management, documentation, information sources and evidence-based decisions.
Stated by Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation TrustStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 25 September 2024.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.2
Position
The operational Blue Light Line and existing policy are sufficient; police officers will not need to change practice when Rapid Response launches.
Stated by Sussex PoliceExisting arrangements considered sufficientThe respondent said that existing arrangements were sufficient, so no further action was needed.
Position
Joint training with SPFT is not considered workable because its cost and logistical requirements are disproportionate at this stage.
Stated by Sussex PoliceUnable to actThe respondent said that a constraint prevented them from taking the relevant action.
West Sussex, Brighton and Hove
Concerns raised2
Unavailability of appropriate LDS-police liaison templates
Failure of LDS and police information sharing about custody mental health presentation
This report raised 10 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.6
Action
Develop a standard template and guidance with NPCC and CPS for transferring relevant Liaison and Diversion assessment information to police.
Stated by NHS EnglandStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 29 July 2024.
Action
Add a standard template for written information shared with police colleagues to the Custody Pathway SOP.
Stated by Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation TrustStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 29 July 2024.
Action
Maintain documented, verbally delivered and CCTV-recorded custody handovers, with live risk updates, shared access, audit trails, staff training and peer review.
Stated by Sussex PoliceStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 29 July 2024.
Action
Record custody risks and concerns discussed with Liaison and Diversion staff on the detainee’s risk assessment and care plan.
Stated by Sussex PoliceStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 29 July 2024.
Action
Consider best practice through the Betterment Workstream, including a nationally recognised pre-arrival risk assessment for communicating custody risks.
Stated by National Police Chiefs’ CouncilStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 29 July 2024.
Action
Raise NHS Trust information-sharing failures between criminal justice pathways as a detainee welfare concern.
Stated by National Police Chiefs’ CouncilStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 29 July 2024.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1
Position
The memorandum concerns should be addressed by Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, Sussex Police and MITRE.
Stated by National Police Chiefs’ CouncilRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
West London
Concerns raised1
Failure to make relevant inquiries when British Transport Police reporting is ambiguous or incomplete
This report raised 1 other concern. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
No linked response statements
No respondent-stated action or position is linked to these concerns in the published data.
Inner North London
Concerns raised1
Inconsistent terminology and definitions between police and mental-health services
This report raised 14 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.1
Action
Implement the Right Care, Right Person approach with health partners, aligning policies, terminology and information requirements for risk assessment and police support.
Stated by Metropolitan Police ServiceStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 22 June 2023.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1
Position
Many concerns concern East London Foundation Trust and Metropolitan Police policy, making NHS England inappropriate to respond to them.
Stated by NHS EnglandOutside remitThe respondent said that this matter was outside its role or authority.
Essex
Concerns raised1
Miscommunication between mental health, police and other emergency services
This report raised 5 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.7
Action
Create and disseminate an SBARD aide-mémoire guiding staff escalation to police for patients absent from authorised leave or absconded, including Mental Health Act status and risk information.
Stated by Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation TrustStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 3 February 2023.
Action
Audit missing-person calls with Essex Police to assess the aide-mémoire’s effectiveness and establish and share further learning.
Stated by Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation TrustStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 3 February 2023.
Action
Appoint a senior single point of contact and provide a prioritised emergency-services line to appropriate senior and out-of-hours managers.
Stated by Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation TrustStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 3 February 2023.
Action
Enable Essex Police to join twice-daily Trust SITREPs with service managers and Matrons to support escalation and communication.
Stated by Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation TrustStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 3 February 2023.
Action
Share learning from the patient-safety incident and Prevention of Future Deaths report at the Essex Crisis Concordat and reinforce communication pathways.
Stated by Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation TrustStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 3 February 2023.
Action
Progress collaborative implementation of the national framework for adults missing from health and care settings through multi-agency planning and a Task and Finish group.
Stated by Essex PoliceStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 3 February 2023.
Action
Embed dedicated constable and inspector liaison capacity at the Linden Centre to improve local identification, information sharing, partnership working and strategic oversight.
Stated by Essex PoliceStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 3 February 2023.
Newcastle upon Tyne and North Tyneside
Concerns raised1
Lack of a joint police-health policy for sharing information about vulnerable missing persons with mental health difficulties
This report raised 4 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
No linked response statements
No respondent-stated action or position is linked to these concerns in the published data.
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Includes failures of the dedicated operational liaison interface between police and mental health services, including direct contact arrangements, prompt two-way communication, sharing of risk information and coordination of action for people presenting violence, missing-person, custody or other pressing mental-health-related risks.
