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Norfolk Police Criticized for Handling Mental Health Call
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In Short: The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has criticized Norfolk Police for its handling of a call from the Harrisons, who were seeking a welfare check for their son Hobie, who had a history of mental health issues.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has criticized Norfolk Police for its handling of a call from the Harrisons, who were seeking a welfare check for their son Hobie, who had a history of mental health issues.
On August 6, 2025, Hobie's parents called Norfolk Police after he failed to respond to them. Call handlers told the family to contact a locksmith instead of referring them to mental health services.
The Harrisons say they were left unsure where to turn after being told their concerns did not meet the threshold for a police response. The following day, they made a second call, and officers found Hobie's body.
Norfolk Police defended its actions, stating it had been following the Right Care, Right Person (RCRP) policy, which limits officer attendance at welfare calls to cases involving immediate risk to life.
The IOPC report criticized Norfolk Police's response to the Harrisons' complaint, noting concerns that the force may not fully understand the risks of its policy.
Norfolk Police said it could not comment further because an inquest is due to take place in November.
The Harrisons say Hobie was funny and mischievous, and enjoyed music and gardening. He had schizophrenia and developmental trauma and was under the care of the Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust Community Mental Health Team.
The Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board said support could involve health, social care, ambulance, or police services.
A 2024 national agreement on the policy stated that people experiencing mental health crises should not be left without support.
A Prevention of Future Deaths report into the death of Sophie Cotton in County Durham highlighted that mental health teams could not enter locked premises.
What this adds
The IOPC's criticism highlights the potential risks of policies that limit police involvement in welfare calls.
Norfolk Police's policy has reduced officer attendance at welfare-related incidents, but the IOPC's findings suggest it may need further review.
What's still developing
- Nothing material beyond the confirmed record.