No proper training for gardaí facing ‘crisis incidents’

GARDAÍ with little training and “very limited” support are being forced to intervene in mental health crisis situations because of chronic gaps in the state’s community service systems.

A joint review of services by the Mental Health Commission (MHC) and An Garda Síochána has found that despite the reform document, A Vision for Change, being official Government policy for over three years, a series of difficulties are continuing to prevent its implementation.

According to the report, the absence of 24-hour community-based mental health services across the country means gardaí are being left with no option but to respond to “crisis incidents” without support from mental health experts.

In a significant number of these cases the individual involved is distressed, has a mental illness, is a threat to themselves and others, and may need to be involuntarily hospitalised, the report said, increasing the risk of “tragic” consequences.

MHC figures show that gardaí intervene in approximately 15% of these cases, with only direct relatives of the individual more involved. However, despite the significant role gardaí play in responding to the incidents, officers receive no detailed training in approaching a mental health situation and have little interaction with the local health service.

“The need for co-operation and alliances with service users, families, carers and other disciplines has not been fully realised. An Garda Síochána are the only agency immediately available day or night to respond to crises in the community,” the document found.

“They are often unfairly and inappropriately left to deal with mental illness and associated social crises with very limited support,” it added.

In an attempt to address the situation, the review group behind the report – including GPs, psychiatric nurses, social workers, mental health officials, and gardaí – has made a series of recommendations, including the need for the HSE to establish a pilot 24-hour crisis team in a number of urban areas.

The report has also called for more concentrated mental health intervention training to be given to all student and full-time gardaí.

“The report requires action from other parties too and we look forward to the swift implementation of the recommendations by all concerned,” said the chairman of the MHC, Dr Edmond O’Dea.

“What is required is not significant financial outlay, but rather the will to address the issues raised,” he said.