Had to present myself (together with driving licence) at the police station
this morning. 'I was proceeding in a northerly direction, occupying lane 3
of the M5, when I noticed members of the constabulary in my rear-view
mirror' etc..... But I digress:
Also at the desk was an elderly woman who wanted to report that she felt
herself in danger from a certain male individual who lived nearby. She had
evidently done her homework because she wanted to know if the police could
implement a Section 136 to get him off the streets and out of her immediate
vicinity.
No, said the police, that would be inappropriate - that section was only
used rarely, and usually when the individual had actually occasioned
physical harm to themselves or others. They knew the individual concerned,
and that he frequently exhibited bizarre and threatening behaviour because
he was out of his head on illegal substances.
What the woman should do, they said, was get in touch with social services
and/or a doctor who had the powers to remove him to a place of safety under
the terms of the Mental Health Act if they felt his behaviour was
sufficiently bizarre due to his mental state. There were also rehabilitation
services available locally (although the officer declined to add that these
services are overstretched beyond breaking point, and the waiting list is as
long as your arm).
Now we know that - even if social services can be found at the weekend -
neither they nor anyone else is going to section someone who is under the
influence of anything, be it alcohol, mind-altering substances or whatever.
So meanwhile this guy is wandering the streets, frightening little old
ladies, and generally causing a nuisance. No doubt this scenario is being
repeated in countless numbers up and down the country, even as we speak. I'm
doing an OOH session this evening and feel pretty certain I'm going to get a
call about this guy unless the woman rings in this afternoon!
So what's the answer? Is it someone's responsibility to deal with this
situation and if so, who is that person or organisation?
Robert
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