ITV Border exclusive: 30% increase in mental health related incidents reported to police

A freedom of information request by ITV Border has revealed that the number of incidents with a mental health marker reported to police increased by nearly 30% between 2014 and 2016.

There were 9716 incidents reported overall:

• 01 January - 31 December 2014: 2845 incidents
• 01 January - 31 December 2015: 3198 incidents
• 01 January - 31 December 2016: 3673 incidents

Incidents with a mental health marker include situations where the person in question is considered to have a mental health issue.

A multi-agency crisis assessment service (MACAS) was formed in March 2017, bringing together police and mental health professionals to ensure people with mental health issues receive the support they require, rather than being put in a prison cell or sent to A&E.

Cumbria Police say the service is proving to be successful.