Suffolk Police say 'Right Care, Right Person' initiative is having a positive effect
It's been in force for almost a year
Suffolk Constabulary says its new approach to ensure that vulnerable people get the right support from the right place is having a positive effect, reporting a reduction in the number of incidents officers are having to attend.
‘Right Care, Right Person’ (RCRP) was introduced on 1 October 2023, with the intention of offering better targeted help and welfare support for people with mental health issue in the county from the right agency, though it has proved controversial with some campaigners worried those needing help will 'fall through the cracks'.
Now, almost a year since its introduction, the force says there has been a reduction in calls for help with mental health issues, meaning their officers are more able to focus on crime and anti-social behaviour.
They also suggested response times have improved.
Over the first six month (Start of Oct – end of Mar) of RCRP the force saw:
2,500 fewer CADs (a call into the Contact and Control Room that is formally logged) attended for concern for welfare incidents (a 45% decrease); equating to 411 fewer each month on average
7,500 CADs since implementation, a 23% decline in comparison to previous year (9,800)
23% fewer RCRP CADs being recorded overall
"Very encouraging"
ACC Eamonn Bridger said: ”Keeping people safe in Suffolk is our priority and we are still committed to protecting the most vulnerable in our communities and, where there is an immediate risk to life or a risk of serious harm, we will still attend.
“These figures are very encouraging and demonstrate that the public and our partners are understanding what an appropriate call for police service is.
"We were keen to be early adopters of the scheme to ensure we reduced unnecessary demands on the frontline and allow our officers and staff the opportunity to focus on crime and anti-social behaviour...
“Our monitoring of RCRP will continue to understand any impact from the changes and a multi-agency group meet on a regular basis to discuss specific cases to identify learning.
"We have introduced the scheme over an extended period and through a phased approach to help with the adjustments needed by our partners.
"We are committed to working collectively on public sector solutions that see the best service possible to the communities of Suffolk whilst ensuring we effectively deliver the specific role that the public can expect of their police service”.
"This shared approach has proved very beneficial"
Richard Watson, Deputy Chief Executive, NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, said:
“We wish to thank Suffolk Constabulary for their considered rollout of Right Care, Right Person, and ensuring that people’s wellbeing and safety always remain a top priority.
“It is important we continue to learn from the scheme’s implementation, continue to monitor its progress and remain adaptable to change so that the needs of those in crisis are most appropriately met.”
PCC Tim Passmore said: "I am pleased to see this very positive feedback on the implementation of the Right Care Right Person initiative in Suffolk, following the initial launch in October.
“It is absolutely vital that people suffering with mental ill-health are attended to by properly-qualified practitioners. Police officers are not such practitioners, but they will of course still respond where there is a risk to life, or a crime is being committed.
“We will continue to engage with partners about Right Care Right Person as we have done over the past two years. This shared approach has proved very beneficial.”