“It places an intolerable burden on police forces”

Kent Police officers are dealing with an increased numbers of calls involving individuals struggling with mental health illnesses, says Kent Federation Chairman Chris Carter. 

Recent figures have shown that the number of people that Kent Police have been forced to section has reached an eight-year high. 

“What officers tell me is that they’re spending longer and longer dealing with far more mental health-related calls”, said Chris in an interview with BBC Radio Kent. 

Kent Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Scott, also said that in the past month officers had spent an average of nine and a half hours waiting in the hospital with patients. 

“That takes two police officers at least away from dealing with the duties of crime”, said Chris. 

“I’m sure many people would say we want our officers out there dealing with crime”, he added. 

According to the Police and Crime Commissioner’s figures, officers spending those long periods at the hospital can cost up to £570 each time. 

Chris said that Kent Police have “seen an amazing growth in demand in the past few years with fewer officers to deal with demand."