‘Help Rather Than Custody’ Scheme Launched

A pioneering scheme, which will put low-level offenders with mental health problems in touch with help rather than behind bars, has been launched in Dundee.

Following more than a year of discussions, agreement has been reached for new rules, which will see certain cases not put before the court or reported to the procurator fiscal.

Instead of spending time in custody, the offender will be diverted into psychiatric care or other appropriate help. It’s hoped the Tayside-wide protocol, the first of its kind in Scotland, will reduce pressure on the court system and free up police and psychiatric professionals for more serious cases.

Tayside Police Chief Constable John Vine, said, “This document ensures custody staff are clear on how to contact NHS to deal with a person in custody, suspected of suffering from a mental health problem, that would normally be dealt with by the district court.

“The fiscal service has agreed this is a more appropriate way to deal with such offenders. The protocol allows the more serious offender with mental health problems to be dealt with by the court and NHS psychiatric services more effectively.”

The agreement has been drawn up following talks between the region’s police force, NHS Tayside and the Crown Office Procurator Fiscal Service. It will cover cases, which normally would go before the district court, minor offences such as low-level shoplifting or breaches of the peace.

However, authorities are also keen to stress there is no room for “milking the system” and repeat offenders will be dealt with by the courts.