The Independent Commission on Mental Health and Policing is currently carrying out a consultation in the form of an online survey.
The Commission was established in September 2012 by the Metropolitan police in response to the inquest verdict into the death of Sean Rigg in police custody. Sean Rigg died on the floor of Brixton police station in July 2005 after being arrested and detained after suffering from mental health problems. On 1 August 2012, the inquest jury, which had heard evidence over seven weeks, recorded a highly critical narrative verdict. (Read an IRR News story: ’Jury applauded for critical inquest verdict’.)
The Commission, which is being chaired by Victor Adebowale, the chief executive of Turning Point, a ‘national health and social care provider’, is being assisted by other police, legal and health professionals in examining how the Met police responds to people with mental health conditions. It will examine cases from the last five years when someone with mental health problems either died or was seriously injured as a result of contact with police.
As part of the review the Commission is conducting an online survey here, which can be completed anonymously and should take about 10 minutes (the deadline is 11 February 2013).
Related Links
Independent Commission on Mental Health and Policing
Independent Commission on Mental Health and Policing Survey
IRR News story: ‘Jury applauded for critical inquest verdict‘
Sean Rigg Justice and Change Campaign