Mental health patients held in cells, warn police

♦ Police chiefs have complained that officers are forced to hold people in cells unlawfully because there are no hospital beds available.

An official review found individuals suffering mental health problems have been kept beyond the maximum custody period for their own safety.

Force leaders estimate there could be more than 2,000 cases a year. Under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, arrested suspects should not be detained for more than 24 hours without being charged.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) highlighted the “very difficult” legal dilemma faced by custody sergeants in cases where an individual is diverted to the mental health system as a patient.

They cannot continue to detain someone who is unwell unless an approved professional has completed a legal application under the Mental Health Act.