Mental health calls for service were up in February for the Smiths Falls Police Service, but the apprehension rate was down.
Police responded to 22 calls last month, compared to 12 in January, while seeing the apprehension rate drop from 8 to 2%.
Deputy Chief Chris Kettyle says officers will only detain an individual if absolutely necessary.
Kettyle says there’s nothing they can do when it comes to bridging the gap between bringing a person to the hospital and having them seen.
There are dedicated rooms in hospitals for mental health patients but they are often full, resulting in a longer wait in the ER.
Story by Grant Deme