Requests for Police Checks for Mental Health Risk Assessments procedure
This guidance outlines the circumstances in which the police can use their statutory power to disclose information regarding an individual in order to enable a third party to consider risk mitigation measures.
The police have a statutory power to share information in relation to anyone who may cause serious harm to the public. The objective is to establish a legal and efficient method of disclosing information from Avon and Somerset Police (ASP) to Mental Health Services.
Requests may be made for police information relating to individuals subject to restrictions under the Mental Health Act. Most of the requests specify that the information is required in order to inform an assessment as to the extent of the risk the subject poses to members of the public.
These checks are essential for the risk assessment and the management of these risks for inpatients while detained on the ward, contact with children through child visits, considering community leave and discharging from services.