Are Liaison and Diversion interventions in policing delivering the planned impact: A longitudinal evaluation in two constabularies?

Abstract

Liaison and Diversion (L&D) has twin objectives: improving mental health outcomes and reducing re-offending. Early diversion from police custody seems promising, but evidence of benefit is required to sustain such programmes. To test the hypothesis that contact with L&D services while in police custody would lead to improved mental health outcomes and a reduction in type and level of offending, we used a pre-post service use design. National Health Service (NHS) records in two counties were searched for evidence that patients had been involved with L&D services while in police custody during the period July 2009-December 2017. We defined January 2009-July 2014 as the pre-intervention period and any time after contact as the post-intervention period. Data from the Police National Computer were gathered for each period for these individuals, to assess their pre-post L&D contact offending histories. NHS Trust data were similarly gathered to assess their pre-post use of mental health legislation. 4,462 individuals were identified who had used L&D services in police custody. There were statistically significant reductions in the amount of offending following contact with the L&D service (whether one or two contacts), regardless of offence type. Statistically significant reductions were also observed in use of the four most commonly used legislative powers for detaining patients in hospital on mental disorder

The prevalence of mental illness and unmet needs of police custody detainees

“…This would involve consistent health commissioning arrangements that work throughout the criminal justice pathway (Forrester et al., 2016); together with more standardised forms of collaboration between the police and healthcare professionals across the UK (Public Health England, 2018). Improvements have been made in England and Wales in recent years through the development of liaison and diversion services, although further research is needed to understand their effectiveness (Cresswell, 2020; Disley et al., 2016; Forrester & Hopkin, 2019; Kane, Evans, Mitsch & Jilani, 2020). Part of improving healthcare within police custody also includes an integrated health promotion service, and understanding how this might work most efficiently (Rekrut‐Lapa & Lapa, 2014).…”

Over 30 years of liaison and diversion in England and Wales: How far have we come, and what is now needed?

“…6,14 Nonetheless, early evidence of effectiveness, including a potential impact upon reoffending behaviour, is promising. 15 Yet despite this, when measured against their original aims, L&D services fall short. Bradley's vision of an all-illness model has not been realised, with many teams remaining focused on severe mental illness.…”

“…6,14 Nonetheless, early evidence of effectiveness, including a potential impact upon reoffending behaviour, is promising. 15…”