The Devon street triage pilot was one of the initial nine national street triage pilot sites. It operates from a control room and therefore differs from the majority of sites, which operate from a patrol vehicle. The Devon street triage pilot has received national and international commendation for its exceptional service.
Various kinds of triage service (‘street triage’ or ‘community triage’) are provided by health and policing partners in different parts of the country but the primary functions are consistent: to reduce the inappropriate use of section 136 of the Mental Health Act; to ensure that the police are appropriately supported in managing mental health crises; and to provide people of all ages with access to the right support from professionals.
The Devon street triage pilot was one of the initial nine national street triage pilot sites. It operates from a control room and therefore differs from the majority of sites, which operate from a patrol vehicle. The Devon street triage pilot has received national and international commendation for its exceptional service.
During the trial period between 6 March 2014 and 31 March 2015, a total of 892 police incidents were referred to the street triage service. The data from the pilot also indicate that, during operating hours, detentions under section 136 were averted on at least 76 occasions and figures suggest immediate large savings across police and health services. The street triage service has been successful in helping police and mental health services in Devon to meet the four key principles of The Crisis Care Concordat and it has helped to improve liaison and joint working by the police, HBPoS staff, mental health service providers and EDs.18 The Devon street triage service has provided support to people of all ages, including children and young people under 18 years.12
For more information, see the Northern, Eastern and Western Devon CCG website.
