A new scheme is dramatically reducing police officer hours, with figures revealing a monthly saving of 447 hours on average, according to Cambridgeshire Constabularly.

The 'Right Care, Right Person' (RCRP) scheme commenced its first phase last year with the aim of efficiently dealing with 'concern for welfare' calls.

Early results demonstrate its efficacy, leading to the commencement of Phase Two, which came into effect on July 16.

The expanded scheme aims to change the approach toward patients voluntarily seeking healthcare for physical or mental health issues who leave their facility prematurely or have been detained under a mental health section and are absent without leave (AWOL).

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The police will not routinely attend if a call is about a patient who has left a medical facility, but will attend when there is a risk to life or serious harm, or specific policing duties apply.

Assistant chief Constable Martin Brunning, said: “It’s really positive to see that the RCRP scheme is already having the desired effects, our residents are receiving a better level of care from the most appropriate agency and police officers are being freed up to attend incidents where their skills and time are most needed.

“Protecting the vulnerable and keeping people safe is at the heart of everything we do and we want to ensure people receive the necessary support, while keeping police resources to tackle crime and deliver safer communities for the public."

The scheme leverages close collaborations with health and social care partners to ensure relevant skilled personnel will respond to people's welfare concerns linked to health or social issues.

Stacie Coburn, chief operating officer, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough ICS, said: “We’re committed to working collaboratively with our partners across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to ensure vulnerable people are given the appropriate care and support by the right health or social care professional with the right skills, training, and experience to best meet their needs.”