ABOUT a fifth of demand on Wiltshire Police now comes from incidents relating to mental health.

The force has this week been recognised as 'good' for the way officers support those with mental health problems, by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS).

The national report found that people with mental health problems are being let down by support systems, and an "intolerable burden" is being placed on police officers and staff who are often left to pick up the pieces.

And Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire, Angus Macpherson, said those with mental health problems need "specialist support and care", rather than being left to be dealt with by police.

"Around 20 per cent of our demand now comes from incidents relating to mental health, and whilst we have a specialist team in our control room, made up of medical professionals, to support staff and officers on the ground this is not the role of the police and nor can the police give the right care to those in crisis," Mr Macpherson said.

“It is one of my priorities to ensure that officers and staff assisting those in mental health crisis are trained and well supported. But put simply, the police cannot plug the gap in mental health support for those most vulnerable in our society.

“Our officers respond to those with mental health problems with care and compassion but we cannot expect the police service to solve this complex problem alone."

In 2015, a mental health triage team was introduced in Wiltshire Police control rooms.

Assistant Chief Constable Craig Holden added: “As the inspectorate has acknowledged , We have performed consistently well in recent years with regards to effectiveness in this area and continue to make good progress.

“We have put vulnerable people at the heart of our policing approach in Wiltshire."