Health written question – answered at on 24 January 2005.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether a police cell is deemed to be a place of safety for individuals with mental illness; and if he will make a statement.
In certain circumstances, people who are believed to be suffering from mental disorder may be removed to a place of safety under Part 10 of the Mental Health Act 1983. The Act defines a place of safety for these purposes as including a police station. The identification of a preferred place of safety is a matter for local agreement, but the Mental Health Act Code of Practice states that, as a general rule, it is preferable for a person thought to be suffering from mental disorder to be detained in a hospital rather than a police station.
Yes1 person thinks so
No0 people think not
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