ESJCR should do more to identify vulnerable callers

Inspection of Island's police finds 17 areas in need of improvement

Not enough is done to identify if those calling the emergency services are vulnerable, and the decision to end a scheme where mental health nurses were based at Police Headquarters should be reviewed.

Those were some of the findings following an inspection of the Isle of Man Constabulary.

The report makes 17 recommendations for change, as well as highlighting 17 areas for improvement.

His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabularies and Fire & Rescue Services was invited to inspect the Island's police service in 2021, and has now published a 58-page report.

Inspectors found call handlers at the Emergency Services Joint Control Room don't routinely identify whether callers are vulnerable, or if they're repeat victims.

The review also found a high percentage of the constabulary's unformed officers are inexperienced, presenting a risk that they won't fulfil their duties effectively or thoroughly, while some were unsure when to use their body worn cameras.

The report praised the way the Island's police deal with those with mental health issues.

But, it called for government to review its decision to end funding for a pilot scheme, which had previously seen nurses based at Police Headquarters.

The report says officers told the inspectors that they are 'desperate to have mental health professionals here permanently'.

There are also a number of recommendations calling for changes to the police complaints procedure, as well as more external scrutiny and oversight.

The constabulary says six of the 17 recommendations are already in place, while work is ongoing to implement the remaining 11.

Justice and Home Affairs Minister Jane Poole-Wilson says it's disappointing that it's taken so long to receive the report, but is pleased with the progress made so far.

Manx Radio has contacted the Isle of Man Constabulary for further comment.