West Yorkshire Police – Leeds Inner South
West Yorkshire Police has joined the Dementia Action Alliance as part of a commitment by the Force to improve the service provided to those with dementia.
As part of the commitment, Dementia Champions are being introduced within districts and departments who will act as dedicated points of contacts and ensure that the specific needs of people with dementia are taken in to account in all investigations. A resource library is also being compiled to assist staff and officers in best practice in dealing with those with dementia.
Sergeant Vanessa Rolfe, of West Yorkshire Police’s Force Performance Improvement Unit, said: “Dementia is a condition which has no barriers, it affects men and women and people of all backgrounds. What some people may also not realise is that while it mainly affects older people, it can also affect younger people.
“As a police force we are committed to ensuring that those with dementia who come in to contact with the police are supported and have their specific needs taken in to consideration, whether that be as a victim, witness, offender or missing person.
“It is important that our officers and staff are able to recognise the signs and symptoms of dementia both to appropriately deal with the immediate situation but also to refer the person on to other services as required.
“We recently hosted a multi-agency master class attended by 100 people from a range of organisations including West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, the NHS, local authorities, the Alzheimer’s Society and other police forces. Improving service provisions for those with dementia is not something that any one organisation or agency can do in isolation and it is vital that we all work together to ensure that those living with dementia receive the support they require.”
‘Dementia Friendly’ stickers are being put on all marked West Yorkshire Police vehicles to highlight the Force’s commitment and to further raise awareness with Force employees and the general public.
Simon Wallace, Project Manager for Yorkshire and Humber Dementia Action Alliance, said: “We are absolutely delighted that West Yorkshire Police has taken this so seriously and gone to such lengths to change their way of working to consider the needs of people with dementia and their carers. These stickers are simply a visible sign of this commitment.”
