Inspector Stuart Mearns and Senior Constable Mark Gaunt are part of the Mental Health Co-Response team of WA Police who won the team category at the Police Excellence Awards today.

They joined Oliver Peterson in the studio today to talk about the win and the important work they do in the community.

This team was established in an Australian-first initiative by the WA Police Force in partnership with the WA Mental Health Commission and the WA Department of Health.

Team members are specially trained in responding to individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis. The officers work alongside experienced mental health practitioners with the aim of assisting people to remain in their own homes, rather than being transported to hospital.

The development of this team has resulted in the provision of earlier, enhanced access to mental health support services, as well as earlier intervention and diversion from the criminal justice system. There has also been a reduction in both police and medical resources required to respond to mental health incidents.

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