The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) says the full extent of concerns raised in the ABC’s Four Corners investigation is even more troubling than first understood, warning of an emerging pattern of concern in police responses to mental health distress.

Last night's program examined multiple cases involving police interactions with people experiencing mental health distress, highlighting what psychiatrists say may point to broader systemic issues. 

RANZCP NSW Branch Chair Dr Ian Korbel said additional accounts and deeply disturbing vision aired last night of police degrading people during mental health crises reinforced the need for urgent reform.

“It is increasingly clear these are not isolated incidents,” Dr Korbel said.

“The pattern emerging is deeply concerning and highlights the need for urgent reform in how we respond to people in mental health crisis.”

Dr Korbel said people experiencing acute mental illness are among the most vulnerable in the community and require care that is grounded in clinical expertise and de-escalation.

“When more cases come to light, it raises serious questions about whether people in mental health crisis are consistently receiving the care and support they need,” he said.

“These types of interactions can escalate distress, worsen symptoms and cause lasting trauma for people already in a highly vulnerable state.

“Police are too often asked to respond to situations that are fundamentally health crises. While they play an important role in maintaining public safety, psychiatrists believe governments must invest more in specialised mental health crisis services, so people receive the right response at the right time.”

The RANZCP has reiterated its call for urgent action, including greater investment in health-led, trauma-informed responses and co-response models involving clinicians.

“This cannot continue to go unchecked,” Dr Korbel said.

“Every person in mental health crisis deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion and care. When that doesn’t happen, it undermines trust in the system and risks further harm.”

The College is keen to work collaboratively with the NSW Premier, Minister for Mental Health and Minister for Police on reforms that strengthen frontline responses and better support people in crisis.

“The impacts of these interactions are not felt equally. There is clear evidence that First Nations communities, people from multicultural backgrounds and those living with mental illness can face disproportionate scrutiny and harm in police interactions, particularly during crisis situations,” Dr Korbel warned.

“The events highlighted by Four Corners should serve as yet another catalyst for reform. Every Australian experiencing a mental health crisis deserves a response grounded in safety, dignity and clinical care.

“We must accelerate the transition towards health-led crisis responses across New South Wales.”

ENQUIRIES: For more information, or to arrange an interview call Dishi Gahlowt on +61 437 315 911 or email media@ranzcp.org.  

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists is a membership organisation that prepares medical specialists in the field of psychiatry, supports and enhances clinical practice, advocates for people affected by mental illness and advises governments and other groups on mental health care. For information about our work, our members or our history, visit www.ranzcp.org.

In Australia: If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au or the Suicide Callback Service on 1300 659 467 or www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au.

In New Zealand: If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline NZ on 0800 543 354 or www.lifeline.org.nz or the Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0508 828 865 or www.lifeline.org.nz/suicide-prevention.