In the last financial year police responded to nearly 60,000 calls involving a person having a mental health crisis, in distress, or threatening suicide.
The figure of 58,124 calls is in a briefing to the new police Minister, Poto Williams.
The briefing also said police attend 90 percent of suicide calls and 45 percent of other mental health calls.
"We want to ensure increases in demand can be managed and that people in mental distress and crisis get the right help at the right time," the briefing said.
A police spokesperson said the responsibility for providing services under the Mental Health Act primarily rests with mental health services but police provide assistance where legislation provides for police intervention.
"Our frontline staff undergo mental health training as recruits, and police have refresher e-learning modules available for all staff. Staff also undergo a two-yearly refresher custodial training which has specific focus on vulnerable people and suicide prevention," a police spokesperson said.
"Additionally, our police negotiation team officers have specialist training around people who are experiencing a crisis, as well as suicide intervention."
This year Wellington District Police alongside Wellington Free Ambulance and Coast and Capital DHB launched a new inter-agency, Co-Response Team (CRT).
"It provides a wraparound service to people in mental distress. It's an innovative approach that enables a health-led response as the preferred option for addressing emergency mental health-related calls."
The police said it's hoped the response team, which is being independently evaluated by Otago University, will provide a model that other districts around the country can follow.
RNZ
Where to find help and support:
- Shine (domestic violence) - 0508 744 633
- Women's Refuge - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
- Shakti Community Council - 0800 742 584
