Introduction:The limited evidence on MHST is largely focused on service development and is overly police-centric dominated by narratives of risk. This article considers the interplay between officers and CPNs in practice situated within strategic and operational contexts, illustrating the importance of place to service developments and trust within practice.Aim: This study was conducted to compare the processes, experiences, and perceptions of MHST in 3 sites in England.Method: Semi-structured interviews were completed with 27 police and health service staff in strategic and operational roles over a three-month period in three sites in England. Results: Four themes were identified: 'Reducing and improving the use of mental health detainments'; 'Importance of local contexts and partnerships', 'Enhancing officer confidence'; and 'Developing street triage'. Discussion: MHST decision-making and outcomes were influenced by issues of trust, belonging and legitimacy within the interplay between officers and nurses. Continuity and staff turnover influenced strategic and operational development. However, MHST was perceived to be an effective and costsaving model. Implications for practice: Mental health nurses are well positioned to lead awareness and education of officers in relation to mental health crisis response. Staff need to develop communication strategies that extend beyond those immediately involved in MHST.

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A substantial body of research engaging volunteer Special Constables has reflected the importance for them of relationships and integration with their Regular, paid police officer colleagues. This article looks at this professional relationship from the other side, drawing upon 1,382 responses to an online survey of Regular police officers undertaken across five police forces in England and Wales. Findings point to gaps in confidence in the adequacy of recruitment, training, and initial practice competency and scepticism on leadership and strategic direction. More positive findings reflect valuing the contribution and perceptions of positive relationships. This article identifies the need for police forces to engage and involve Regular officers more constructively with the Special Constabulary. The research has a broader relevance for cultural engagement and integration across the diversity of roles in the ‘police family’, both paid and volunteer.

PurposeThis article offers a tri-national comparison between Malaysia, England and Wales and the United States of AmericaDesign/methodology/approachIt is based on reviewing, collating, comparing and contrasting previous research findings and official reports on the topic with a view to identify recurrent commonalities in the three countries studied.FindingsThree key common themes are identified and presented in the article: (1) The relevance of the cultural positioning of volunteers in policing; (2) the importance of understanding the roles and capability of police volunteers; (3) recognizing prerequisites for recruitment of volunteers and the nature of their subsequent training.Research limitations/implicationsWe suggest that more detailed comparative studies of volunteer policing structures and officer roles would be valuable.Practical implicationsThe practice implications of these findings are discussed, and the potential value of and major challenges in carrying out cross-national national comparative study in the field of volunteer policing shown.Social implicationsThe paper discusses important issues in the role and value of police volunteerism to criminal justice and society.Originality/valueThere are few international comparisons of volunteer policing and even fewer that compare approaches between Western and Eastern countries. This is the first study to do so.