POLICE officers have become the “first line of response” for mental health incidents, according to new statistics released on Tuesday.

The force dealt with 23,259 “mental health related” incidents last year – a near doubling from just 12,775 in 2017 – amid ongoing strain on NHS and ambulance services.

But while mental health call-outs have soared, the actual number of crimes recorded as being “mental health related” was just 656 last year – sparking warnings of “systemic failures in other public and emergency services” that are all being “pushed beyond breaking point”.

Liam McArthur, the Liberal Democrats’ justice spokesperson, told 1919 magazine: “The police have become the first line of response for dealing with soaring numbers of mental health incidents.

“These complex cases take up huge amounts of time and resources amongst a patchwork of underfunded mental health services.

“I applaud the compassion officers show to people in distress day-in day-out, but this should not be left to them.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats have consistently argued for including co-locating mental health professionals alongside the police to help to tackle these complex cases.

“Ultimately however, it will require a dramatic overhaul of Scotland’s mental health services to ensure that people are supported and treated before they find themselves in a crisis.”

McArthur called for an expansion of the mental health workforce, faster access to talking therapies at GP practices, and 24/7 access to crisis care.

Want to see more SNP fails? – Health Matters