Police Communications Centre Mental Health Liaison Service: Enhancing outcomes for people in mental health crisis.
Australasian Psychiatry · 2025-01-21 · Observational study
Abstract
ObjectiveTo describe the Police Communication Centre Mental Health Liaison Service (PCC MHLS), a novel mental health service embedded in a Queensland Police Service (QPS) communication centre which provides real-time information and advice to police as first responders to people in mental health crisis.MethodsA retrospective analysis of referrals received from 1st January 2023 to 31st December 2023 was conducted. Descriptive statistics were calculated for consumer and service episode characteristics and reported outcomes.ResultsThe service received 3549 referrals with a daily mean of 9.97. Mean age at referral was 38.11 years (SD 15.86, range 6-102), and most consumers were male (60.4%). 41 percent did not have a current or historic psychiatric diagnosis and 28.1% were open to the public mental health service. The most reported presenting problem was suicide/self-harm (45.2%). An Emergency Examination Authority was enacted in 28.3% of cases, and 20.9% of consumers were referred to mental health services.ConclusionResults suggest some consumers may be experiencing psychological distress rather than diagnosed mental illness. The PCC MHLS connects consumers with the most appropriate services beyond hospital emergency departments and provides a novel and effective mechanism for real-time support for first responses to people in mental health crisis.
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Tags
Communication & handover · Dispatchers & call takers · Fire service & police
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