The RIVPF said in the last three weeks; there have been a total of 15 recorded incidents representing a general upsurge in incidences involving persons with mental illness.

Of those incidences, the RVIPF said in a press release on August 10, 2021, “either family members and neighbours were seriously injured, threatened or had to be rescued from a mental health patient. Household items were also destroyed. Most of the patients had to be taken by Police to the Behavioural Ward at the Peebles Hospital.”

The RVIPF also mentioned that there were two separate incidences that “involved persons coming to the Road Town Police Station. Both were incoherent, and one was carrying an imitation firearm.”

Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool said stress levels in the Territory are high with the recent COVID-19 outbreak. This she said can lead to more conflict with those suffering with chronic mental illness.

Family intervention needed

Using the press release platform, the RVIPF encouraged relatives of mentally ill persons to seek assistance at the first indication of unusual behaviour by their loved ones by calling the Mental Health Unit at 852-7675 or the Psychosocial Hotline 541-2383.

“Stress levels in the Territory are high with the onset of the recent COVID-19 outbreak. This can lead to more conflict with those suffering with chronic mental illness,” Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool said.

“It is important that caregivers are sensitive and responsive to these signs ahead of the crisis and get the necessary help,” she added.