The creation of the Mental Health Units (use of Force) Bill or 'Senis law' was inspired by the death of Mr Lewis whom died after being restrained by 11 police officers for over 30 minutes whilst an impatient for mental health. He was a young black male in crisis and his experience has evoked much criticism of current mental health practices with a high importance being places on transparency and accountability raised at every hearing/sitting of this bill.
There was unanimous support for Clause 5 stipulating the highest standard of training and use of de-escalation techniques. Transparency also central to the full support received for clause 9 ensuring the secretary of state publishes a comprehensive annual report into the use of force in all mental health units in England. The bill in practice will involve a senior responsible person to oversee with responsibility all uses of force which may arise and all on duty police officers in mental health units wearing a body camera.
The government is adamant that families such as those of Mr Lewis are not left frustrated and lost in a system which does not respond to them and are therefore ongoing investigation into family support and access to legal funding is being discussed with high regard. For reasons such as this the government have commissioned the Independent review of Deaths and Serious Incidents in Police Custody to examine reasons and obstacles and identify areas for improvement to ensure appropriate and humane institutional treatment.
I am delighted to see the support gathered by the bill and anticipate its impact on the mental health services moving forward.