Manitoba has amended the Mental Health Act (MHA) to allow police officers to transfer custody of individuals awaiting an involuntary medical examination to a trained, qualified individual as defined under the act.

“Our government recognizes the importance of keeping those in need of involuntary medical examinations safe while in custody and to protect health-care workers and the public,” said Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Kelvin Goertzen

. “We believe it is equally important to promptly return police officers to their policing duties in the community.  This amendment to the MHA will facilitate the transfer of custody while maintaining the safety of all involved in receiving or providing health services,” Goertzen said.

Prior to the changes in the act a police officer had to wait with a patient until a medical examination was completed.

The amended legislation will enable police to transfer custody of an individual detained under the MHA to a qualified person, other than a police officer, who would remain with an individual detained under the MHA until they have received the assessment.

The province has already empowered Winnipeg Police Service Cadets through the City of Winnipeg Charter and First Nation safety officers and community safety officers through the Police Services Act to assist police officers with this function.

“This will allow our officers to focus on core policing functions while ensuring the continued safety of individuals awaiting an involuntary medical examination,” said Scott Kolody, commanding officer, RCMP ‘D’ Division.

-News4 Staff-