Agenda item

The Panel considered a report of Supt Kevin Weir, Durham Constabulary which provided an update on the progress of mental health as a key area of focus in the Police and Crime Plan (for copy see file of Minutes).

Councillor Allen welcomed the update report which reflected the priority mental health was being afforded.  Mr Cook informed the Panel that a common thread was that police cuts was making the job of officers more difficult and he expressed concern that cuts in other services would also have an impact around mental health work.

The PCC replied that there were vulnerable people within communities in need of support and the police worked proactively with partners to ensure everybody fulfilled their roles.

Councillor Forster informed the Panel she was pleased that officers had been trained in Neuro Linguistic Programming and some had completed Mindfulness training.  Councillor Forster asked whether co-counselling took place for officer and staff dealing in this area of work and also requested that the word assessment be used rather than triage.

The PCC replied that the force was conscious of the impact the work could have on officers and staff and also cognisant of the need to support people.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.