CM07: Policing Mental Health

Question 1

What is a mental disorder?

Answer 1

• abnormal state of mind
• pose a serious danger to the safety of themselves or others
• lacks capacity to care for themselves

Question 2

Restricted patients

Answer 2

Subject to compulsory treatments but are considered to present a danger to the public

Question 3

Special patients

Answer 3

Detained by court order if they are found to be criminally insane or unfit to plead.

Question 4

What are DAO’s?

Answer 4

Qualified nurses specialising in mental health.

Question 5

Section 109

Answer 5

Public place

Detain and take for assessment (detain up to 6 hours)

Question 6

Section 110

Answer 6

Doctor’s request assistance

• urgent medical exam
• administering sedative
• urgent assessment

Enter, detain (6 hours), take for assessment

Question 7

Section 41

Answer 7

DAO request

Enter, detain (6 hours), take for assessment, return to hospital

Question 8

SASA entry power

Answer 8

Section 14

- immediate risk to life or safety of any person

Question 9

Who is responsible for transport?

Answer 9

DAO’s. Police only assist if their expertise or powers are needed

Question 10

Use of force

Answer 10

Section 41 Crimes Act
- reasonable force to prevent suicide or an offence that is likely to cause serious and immediate injury to person or property