RE: Request for Authority and Training for Hospital Security Staff
Letter from Former Mayor David Screech to Premier John Horgan requesting authority for hospital security to take custody of patients apprehended under the Mental Health Act.
April 1, 2021
Honourable John Horgan Premier of British Columbia PO Box 9041 Stn Prov Govt Victoria, BC V8W 9E1
VIA EMAIL: premier@gov.bc.ca
Dear Premier Horgan:
RE: Request for Authority and Training for Hospital Security Staff
It has come to the attention of View Royal Council that there is an excessive use of police resources in hospital emergency waiting rooms as officers must remain with persons apprehended under section 28 of the Mental Health Act Act until the individual is transferred to the care of a physician. This requirement sees costly police resources tied up in emergency waiting rooms often for lengthy periods of time.
As such, we are requesting that hospital security staff be given the authority and necessary training to take custody of patients apprehended under the Mental Health Act on arrival at the hospital.
Allowing hospital security staff to assume this role from police officers would not only provide a less costly approach for taxpayers, but would also ease the burden on police resources, enabling them to provide timely services where they are needed in the community.
Thank you for consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
David Screech Mayor
cc.
- Hon. David Eby, Attorney General and Minister responsible for Housing
- Hon. Adrian Dix, Minister of Health
- Hon. Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions
- All UBCM Municipalities
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