Police watchdog cites lack of resources to launch an inquiry
New Zealand's police watchdog has turned down the union's request to reassess the police's plan to cut down its assistance to mental health workers.
The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) told the Public Service Association (PSA) that it does not have the resources to conduct an inquiry.
"While we appreciate this is a significant concern for mental health workers and the PSA, the Authority does not currently have the resources to conduct such an inquiry," IPCA said in a letter responding to the PSA.
"Therefore, we will not be conducting a review as you have requested."
The PSA's request comes after an incident in November where the police allegedly failed to respond to emergency calls from a mental health worker who was reportedly assaulted by a patient.
The incident came as the New Zealand Police's gradual implementation of its Mental Health Response Change Programme, which will see police presence at mental health facilities reduced.
The police will also start assessing non-emergency mental health-related requests against updated guidance to determine if their assistance is required in a situation.
Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the PSA, described IPCA's response to their request to review the policy as "extraordinary."
"A critical public watchdog is admitting a serious safety crisis exists but lacks resources to investigate it. That's a damning indictment of Government funding priorities for independent oversight," Fitzsimons said in a statement.
"Mental health workers are being left exposed to increasing violence and the very Authority that should be investigating the policy doesn't have the resources to do its job. That's deeply alarming."
Reported assault in November
Meanwhile, IPCA said it will be assessing the November incident but noted that it will take some time due to the high number of complaints.
"Regarding the particular case, that has been assigned to a caseholder for assessment," IPCA said.
"We currently have very high volumes of complaints, and it may be some time before we can assess the case and make a decision. We will let you know the outcome as soon as we can."
According to the PSA, the incident in November saw a mental health worker not receiving any assistance despite contacting the police for support through the emergency line.
"The failure to provide Police support to mental health workers on 21 November should be urgently investigated," Fitzsimons said.
She further called on the government to properly fund the watchdogs that hold agencies to account, especially amid the dropping public confidence in the police.
"We call on the Government and Police to shelve plans for Police withdrawal from mental health support before it's too late and more workers are assaulted or an avoidable tragedy occurs."
