Police referrals of vulnerable adults double in two years

A report by Dundee City Council’s Adult Support and Protection Committee indicated that between 2014 and 2016, police made 2,305 referrals, up from 1,161 in the two years before, The Courier reports.

Of the 2,305, only 188 – seven per cent – resulted in action under adult protection legislation.

Colin McCashey, committee convenor, report author and former head of Tayside CID, said: “My professional judgment tells me that it would be unreasonable to conclude police officers, in the normal course of their duty, are coming into contact with 99% more vulnerable people than was previously the case.

“I believe that it is more likely the police are now referring cases that were previously not referred.

“It therefore follows that the big increase is more about process than people.

“That said, I would not wish to undermine the challenge faced by officers, often in very difficult circumstances, who simply seek the appropriate assistance from relevant agencies.”

He added: “While I would not set out to stifle referrals, I would wish to ensure that referrals are necessary and appropriate.”

Most referrals were for self-harm.

In the period covered by the report, Dundee City Council’s social work department has issued six banning orders to protect two people, one of who has a learning disability and the other a physical disability.

The Dundee City Health and Social Care Integration Joint Board are due to consider the report tomorrow.