Question
In light of the significant uplift that Health received in the SoS budget statement on 24th November, what engagement does the Chief Constable intend to have with Health officials about addressing the issues within the Health and Social Care system that can result in pressures on police time (such as when they have to remain with emergency calls at EDs, locate “missing” persons).
Answer
The Police Service of Northern Ireland are in the process of researching the current demand on frontline teams providing assistance in Health and Social Care settings. This includes requests for assistance from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, mental health, missing persons and Officers time spent at Hospitals and other care facilities. This will form the basis of future discussions with colleagues within the Health Service in order to scope ways to improve current systems in an attempt to reduce demand and at the same time ensuring that he Police Service delivers our responsibilities outlined in Section 32 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000.