A typical day in the community could mean starting work at 8am, in one of the police custody suites and offering mental health screening assessments to anyone who has been on overnight remand and would like support with their mental health.
Claire Dean
We would then link in with the magistrate’s courts which could involve speaking in court to provide an overview of the individuals needs which could support sentencing options.
Paperwork plays a big part in what we do and it is important that all notes and interactions be accurately documented in a timely manner.
Between assessments, I could be catching up with my work colleagues, attending meetings and preparing training courses. I would aim to finish work around 4.30pm.
A typical day in the control room would mean working a longer day – 11.30 until midnight. A lot of our time in this environment is spent at my desk, reviewing live 999 calls and liaising with police and speaking to individuals in immediate crisis.
Our role is to support police in looking at least restrictive interventions to help the individual. At times, we may need to speak with ED staff, Ambulance at scene, and our Duty Nurses colleague in the acute mental health units.
The role of Criminal Justice Liaison Practitioner is an interesting and varied post. It provides a good variety of work and also allows for face- to-face contact with patients as well as the opportunity of linking in with other agencies in order to ensure the individual has access to the care they need at the time.