From today, Police are dialling back the number of mental health callouts they will attend.

Phase One of the reduced service will see Police complete faster handovers in the Emergency Department.

Transport requests and attendance at mental health facilities will need to meet a higher threshold.

Four phases are set to be implemented by September next year.

Associate Professor in Mental Health Nursing at University of Waikato Anthony O’Brien tells Ryan Bridge police will now negotiate with health services whether they feel their presence is required on callouts where they are requested.

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