Mentally disordered detainees in the police station: The role of the psychiatrist

Abstract

A significant number of people who come into contact with the police have a mental disorder. Attending the police station to assess detainees forms a significant part of most psychiatrists' work. The role of the psychiatrist includes assessing for the presence of mental disorder, advising on diversion from custody and assessing detainees' fitness to be interviewed. This article, based on data primarily from the UK, looks at issues involved for psychiatrists attending police stations, including pathways to care, epidemiology, assessment of detainees under the Mental Health Act 1983, fitness of detainees to be interviewed and aspects of training.