Police and NHS Collaborate to Reduce Emergency Attendances

The College of Policing has launched a new national safety training curriculum aimed at reducing police use of force, with a pilot study showing a nine percent decrease in such incidents among trained officers. The training emphasizes conflict de-escalation and realistic scenario-based exercises, equipping officers with better communication skills. In Lanarkshire, a collaboration between Police Scotland and NHS Lanarkshire has drastically reduced emergency department visits by over 80% through a Community Triage Service, allowing mental health patients to receive timely support without police escort. This initiative has saved approximately 20,000 officer hours and improved service delivery for mental health crises, highlighting the importance of joint efforts between law enforcement and health services. The success of these programs indicates a promising shift towards more effective policing and mental health care integration across Scotland. Both initiatives reflect a growing recognition of the need for specialized approaches to complex societal issues.