Improving Police Response to Conflicts Involving Mentally Ill Individuals
Hong Kong police could benefit from separate guidelines on how to manage conflicts involving mentally ill individuals, according to government mental health adviser Amos Cheung Chuen-yih. This suggestion comes in the wake of a recent incident where an officer fatally shot a schizophrenia patient, sparking controversy.
Cheung, who is also a clinical psychologist and a member of the Advisory Committee on Mental Health, emphasized the need for specific protocols to ensure officers respond more appropriately in such situations. He highlighted the increasing number of cases involving mentally ill individuals and stressed the importance of equipping law enforcement with the necessary tools to handle these encounters effectively.
“With a separate guideline, frontline police officers can better understand how to respond in a sensitive and informed manner,” Cheung explained during a radio interview.
As cases involving mentally ill individuals continue to rise, Cheung believes that proactive measures are essential to prevent further tragic incidents and ensure the safety of both the public and those with mental health conditions.