Norwegian police believe that more people with severe mental illnesses will commit serious acts of violence.
Perpetrator's mental illness - symptoms or suspicion of illness
Police and other partners report an increase in cases of serious violence and threats by people with serious mental illness.
- this is associated with a significant percentage of reported homicides and attempted homicides since 2016. This is based on a qualitative assessment and analysis of reports from police districts and partners.
- Violence concerns both bystanders in public space and people who are in the close circle of the perpetrator's acquaintances. Violenceperpetrated by people with severe mental disorders is described as more serious than before, says Emergency Director Tone Vangen of the Police Directorate.
Qualitative analysis and evaluation
In recent years, there has been a large increase in the number of orders related to psychiatry and support for health service. Their number increased from 37 to 130 in 53-219
- These are events and tasks that are considered to contain psychiatric components. This is often mentioned in reports - but not recorded in the systems as the episodes of violence are recorded as a whole - so national statistics on this are not available. Police districts and partners analyzed this and made a qualitative assessment, which in turn means we have a good basis to report the increase, says Vangen.
We don't have a definitive answer as to why this happened
- We do not have a definitive answer as to why this happened. The Norwegian Police Directorate works regularly with the Norwegian Directorate of Health, including circulars regulating police assistance to the health service. We cooperate closely and well with the health service, both at management and local level. The Norwegian Police Directorate will contact the Norwegian Health Directorate to share our knowledge base for further work, says Emergency Director Tone Vangen
Do we have sufficient knowledge to meet these challenges?
- In addition to broadening our knowledge and ensuring a good dialogue with health services at all levels, it is important that the police discuss whether we have sufficient knowledge to meet these challenges or whether we need more knowledge related to meetings with mentally ill people.
More people with serious mental illnesses. There will likely be more acts of violence
Police believe it is likely that more people with severe mental illness than before will commit serious acts of violence. They will pose a threat to both themselves and others.
Drug abuse, marital problems or unemployment ...
"Mental disorders combined with, for example, drug abuse, marital problems or unemployment can increase the risk of violence, and it is believed that some of the future violent acts could be fatal," says Vangen.
Master's Degree and Education in Mental Health and Addiction
Work is underway on national guidelines for master's education in mental health. We focus on a professional approach to work on addiction for nurses and guidelines for further mental health education and work on addiction!
Develop national guidelines for both types of education.
Two program groups have been designated to develop national guidelines for both types of education. The program groups are made up of an equal number of representatives from the university and academia sector and services. Students also have a representative in both program groups. The guidelines ensure that educated candidates are competent to meet changing healthcare needs. Together, education will contribute to strengthening the competences of medical services.
Source:
police.no
regjeringen.no
