Mental Health Association laments suicide of a man in police custody, calls for changes to detention process

By BBN Staff: The Mental Health Association (MHA) says that it is saddened by the suicide of Gregory Bowen while in police custody over the New Year Holiday, and says that there need to be changes in the way mental health patients are detained by authorities.

The MHA noted that the incident underscores the problems experienced by families when their loved ones who are mental health patients are detained by police.

“Not only do the officers have little or no training in mental health issues but there is no safe place to keep at-risk people even if they do recognize a problem,” the MHA said.

The Association went on to say that it is actively seeking funding for a Forensic Unit with a “strong legislative structure” that would secure vulnerable persons detained by police for short periods while authorities determine what action will be taken.

“In the short term, we advise more training for Police officers at every level, including mandatory courses on Mental Health as part of the Police Training and refresher courses for serving officers,” The MHA added.

The Association’s recommendations also included the creation of a database for persons with mental health issues, so that police can cross-check with the association when such a person is detained. The MHA also recommended checking in with relatives of the person detained for insight once that person is detained.

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.

© 2021, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.