Policy and Procedure on Mental Health
Date of request: 13 July 2026
Reference: 17331506
Request
Avon and somerset police policy and procedures on neurodiversity and young people and any other relevant polices associated with police roles, responsibilities and duties when working with disabled child/young person victims and suspects
Response
Please find attached the following document containing information relevant to your request:
- Mental Health (Operational Policing) Procedural Guidance
Whilst this guidance is not specifically focused on children and young people, it contains procedural guidance relating to mental health, learning disabilities, neurodiversity, vulnerability, and policing interactions involving victims, witnesses and suspects.
In particular, the following section –
- Section 30, Investigations / incidents involving people where mental health, learning disability or other neurodiversity are a factor,
– contains information relevant to your request. Paragraph 30.1 confirms that these considerations apply to victims, witnesses and suspects, and paragraphs 30.3 to 30.4 set out general principles for officers dealing with people where mental health, learning disability or neurodiversity are a factor.
The following sections may also be of relevance:
- Sections 2, 3, 5 and 6 set out overarching principles, equality considerations and definitions relating to mental health, learning disabilities and neurodiversity.
- Sections 22 and 23 contain operational guidance where mental ill-health, learning disability or neurodiversity are relevant factors.
- Section 30 contains specific guidance relating to victims, witnesses and suspects where mental health, learning disability or neurodiversity are a factor.
- Sections 8, 17, 21 and 24 contain references to children and young people, including those under the age of 18 and under the age of 16.
Within this document, names other than those of senior officers and heads of department have been redacted under the following exemption:
- Section 40(2) – Personal Information.
Section 40 is a class-based absolute exemption and there is no requirement to consider the public interest test. The information has been withheld because it constitutes the personal data of third parties. Disclosure would breach the first data protection principle (lawfulness, fairness and transparency) under the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR.
No other policies or procedures have been identified within the scope of your request.