Cops trained to deal with mentally ill people, says Dillon

Responding to a question in the Senate, Dillon said officers receive this training at the Police Academy specifically through a behavioural science course.

“There is a specific module in that course which focuses on dealing with the mentally ill and their special needs,” Dillon explained.

He also said officers are trained in de-escalation and interactive techniques when interacting with mentally ill people.

Responding to a question from Opposition Senator Wade Mark, Dillon said he did not know whether excessive force was used in an incident where a mentally ill man was killed by a police officer. Dillon also said he has not received any report on that incident. In a written response to another question, Dillon said anti-crime initiatives which have been implemented over the last year include restructuring of the Strategic Services Agency, computerisation of the Forensic Science Centre, an intensified drive to remove illegal arms and ammunition and increased dialogue between the Police Service and communities through town meetings. Dillon said this combination of focused initiatives are based upon the strategic imperatives of prediction, deterrence, detection, prosecution and rehabilitation.

The House of Representatives sits today from 1.30 pm to begin debate on the Plea Discussion and Plea Agreement Bill 2017.