POLICE MAY UNDERUSE SECTION-136

A one-year prospective study comparing Section 136 patients (39) and t he severe Section 2 or 4 patients (29) of the Mental Health Act 1983 i n a hospital with inner London catchment areas. The assessments were c linical, nurses' ratings and socio-demographic. The results showed tha t clinical and nursing ratings did not differentiate the two groups. M ost social/demographic data showed similar trends with both groups bei ng disadvantaged but Section 136 patients slightly more so. The differ ences were smaller than anticipated, suggesting a recent shift of pati ents admitted under Section 2 or 4 towards a more socially disadvantag ed position. In conclusion, police did not overuse Section 136. Our co mparison suggests: (a) police may underuse Section 136, and (b) Sectio n 136 acts as a valuable 'back-up' for those patients who would otherw ise fail to benefit from the Mental Health Act.