An Garda Síochána and the Mental Health Commission welcome the publication of this report from the Working Group on Police and Mental Health Services. The joint working group was established by both organisations to review national and international best practice models in joint working between the police and mental health services and to make recommendations in relation to enhanced liaison between An Garda Síochána and the mental health services in Ireland. Internationally, we know that model prototypes and programmes have been developed to enhance liaison between both services. Reports on these initiatives describe the valuable and positive outcomes of such collaborative systems for the police, mental health personnel, and especially service users and their families. Reported outcomes for service users include less frequent use of restraint and restrictive options of care, increased understanding of illness, enhanced respect for the person in crisis and a reduction in the stigma associated with mental illness.

The recommendations from the Working Group require a multifaceted approach from a number of agencies including, An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive and service user organisations. The recommendations emphasise the importance of collaboration and joint working while respecting the different areas of expertise and responsibilities of all those involved.