If someone wished to legally challenge aspects of police behaviour in their use of s136 of the Mental Health Act 1983, they would first need to secure High Court permission to bring the challenge – this is set out in s139(2) of the MHA itself.  There have been several legal arguments about this provision, notably […]

Read More Johnston v CC Merseyside

This post is done on request: to cover a few issues about the use of force where section 136 of the Mental Health Act (MHA) is being considered or used, including powers that may be relied upon to initially manage a situation where immediate intervention is required and how that may fit in to considerations […]

Read More Section 136 and the Use of Force

A new report has been published by the Independent Advisory Panel on Deaths in Custody (IAPDC).  It focusses on policing in particular (the panel‘s remit is to take an overview of all deaths in state custody, including prisons and psychiatry) and mental health is a core theme within it.  It’s not longest report you’ll find […]

Read More IAPDC Report 2022