Social workers could take 999 calls in emergency shake-up

SOCIAL WORKERS and mental health experts could soon be dealing with 999 calls as part of a shake-up of Police Scotland’s emergency control rooms.

Chiefs are looking to reform the force’s first-response teams following high-profile blunders that have left officer morale and public confidence at a low ebb.

Now a pilot scheme that would help call centre handlers better assess emergency situations is set to start later this year.

It is understood that psychiatric nurses from the Scottish Ambulance Service will be on hand to give advice or even take over dealing with developing situations.

Should the trial prove successful, it could be extended to include other professionals, including social workers.

It is hoped the initiative will ease the workload of officers while also providing a better response in cases where callers are more in need of long-term support rather than a ‘blue-light’ response.

A similar scheme by Kent Police, in conjunction with the mental health charity Mind, has been hailed a success.

Last night, the plans won the backing of the Scottish Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers.

Vice-chairman David Hamilton said: ‘If we are to provide the best response possible then the right thing to do is take a holistic view of people’s problems.’

Police Scotland would not discuss the new trial in detail but Assistant Chief Constable John Hawkins said: ‘Of the three million calls we receive each year, only 15 per cent relate to crime and the majority relate to issues of vulnerability.’

‘As a result we intend to adapt the way in which we respond to calls, giving a greater focus to reacting to this growing demand.’