A Suffolk father with over 40 years' experience as a psychiatric professional has referenced his son's experience with the police as reason not to bring in plans to scale back their attendance at mental health calls.
Earlier this week, Suffolk Constabulary announced plans to implement the 'Right Care, Right Person' strategy, which will see officers scaling back their attendance to calls regarding mental welfare later this year.
But Assistant Chief Constable Eamonn Bridger said "protecting and keeping people safe" would remain the force's top priority.
With more than 40 years as a senior leader on matters involving mental health in three different London trusts, Jeremy Walker also speaks from personal experience.
"My son has very serious mental health challenges and has been helped by Suffolk police in the past," he said.
"They were very kind, thorough and responsive. Without their help, he almost certainly wouldn't be with us now."
The Leiston-based father, who spent over nine years inspecting psychiatric units in hospitals, said the 'Right Care, Right Person' strategy fills him with dread.
Though Suffolk Constabulary has promised to "continue to protect the public where the risks presented need a policing attendance," Mr Walker says he has had to work hard to convince the police to help his son in the past.
"I can just see what will happen now," he added.
"People will say that they don't know him or that he's not their responsibility.
"I don't blame anybody. I've been part of it and know nobody means ill, but mental health services have become so reluctant and insular."
ACC Bridger confirmed that the programme will be introduced in a phased approach across the county "later this year".
READ MORE: Mental health trust 'past the point of no return', say Suffolk MPs
Knowing the intricacies of the system, Mr Walker is "sceptical" of the plan, saying they need a further year or two at least to work it out.
He added: "We should really be going in the opposite direction.
"I used to work with the police when sectioning patients myself.
"Their status and uniform can often be very helpful when persuading people to get the treatment they need."
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