Abstract
BackgroundHigh levels of mental health and substance misuse disorders within the
criminal justice system (including prisons, courts and police stations) have been
reported across the world. In responding to this challenge, some countries have
developed liaison and diversion services. These services began in England and
Wales in the 1980s, but their coverage and quality have been patchy and they
have been less developed in police custody than in the courts. Studies reported
in this thesis aim to evaluate one such service operating in police custody.
Methods
A multiagency group including the Local Authority, Metropolitan Police
and local Mental Health Trust obtained grant funds to introduce a mental health
service innovation into two police stations in South London. The service
became operational in 2012, and from the outset routine service and follow-up
information was collected on consecutive referrals. Data covering an 18-month
period were analysed using a statistical software package. Meanwhile, the
effect of an open referral system on local prison mental health in-reach team
referrals was evaluated using a before-after design.
Results
The referred group (n = 1092) presented with very high levels of mental
health and substance misuse morbidity, vulnerability, and suicide risk. Most had
established mental health problems (66.8%) and histories of drug or alcohol use
(60%) and an important number (144/888: 16.2%) presented with suicide
ideation. Many (370/516: 71.7%) required onward referral to a range of services, and although existing service linkage was protective, male gender and
current drug or alcohol use predicted non-engagement.
Conclusions
It is possible for a mental health service to operate effectively in police
custody, but such services require enough resources to deal with the high
levels of presenting need and clinical risk. Service links appear protective and
should be prioritised, but some referred groups require enhanced support to
facilitate service engagement.
| Date of Award | 2017 |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Supervisor | Lucia Valmaggia (Supervisor) & Thomas Jamieson-Craig (Supervisor) |