MENTAL health nurses will be helping county police out on patrol and responding to emergencies.
Thames Valley Police is one of five new forces to pilot the new scheme from the Department of Health, it was announced today.
The Government is testing out the scheme to improve the way people with mental health problems are treated during emergencies.
The aim is to ensure they get the medical attention they need quickly.
As part of the scheme, mental health nurses will support officers and also advise staff in control rooms.
Care and support minister Norman Lamb said: “We can give officers the skills they need to treat vulnerable people appropriately in times of crisis.”
Director of nursing Vivienne Bennett added: “This is a great example of collaborative working and integration of services.”
The scheme has already been tested in Leicestershire and Cleveland.
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