NSW police could ditch mental health response program lauded as ‘so successful’ by minister

Exclusive: Force considering alternatives to Pacer program that has seen 48% reduction in people detained by police under Mental Health Act

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New South Wales police are looking to replace a program designed to provide person-centred, trauma-informed care" to people with severe mental health challenges despite the police minister describing it as so successful".

Under the Police, Ambulance, Clinical, Early, Response (Pacer) program, mental health clinicians employed by NSW Health are stationed with police to ensure police powers are only used when necessary in responding to mental health crises.

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