IF you asked a school child why they wanted to join the police, their reasons might vary from catching criminals, taking part in action packed chases, or solving the most complex of investigations.

But as Inspector Kevan McCarthy will tell you, their work at Darlington Police Station involves much more than that.

“Most people see the Police Interceptors and think that is what we do every day, but a lot of the time it could be a lady falling down the stairs.”

Whatever the offence the force is investigating, it is now likely that the “vast majority” of cases will have a link to one particular issue.

“In 2000, the stats said one in four people suffered from a mental health problem. That has increased since then. Life in general is more stressful,” said Insp McCarthy.

“We acknowledge it more, we find it more, and we assess it more, and when people are really poorly it is heart-breaking.”

Officers in Darlington now receive specific training on mental health to help them understand the impact and identify the signs.

“Before, people didn’t recognise the signs, but in the last ten years it has totally changed.

“The big question is how do we know it is mental health? You can’t answer that question, you just have to ask the right questions.

“We are not experts in mental health, but we have taken big step forwards.”

Approaching those with mental health issues in the right way has been key, according to Insp McCarthy.

“We take them to a place of safety – they are not prisoners, they are patients – and they must be transported by ambulance and not by police car.”

Michael Phillips has only been based in Darlington for a matter of weeks, but has already seen the valuable impact the police have in dealing with mental health patients.

“We had a call from a lady who asked if we could come and take medication off her, and we spent 45 minutes talking to her, whilst liaising with the crisis team.

“She said the police were the first people who have taken her seriously and spoken to her.

“She kept saying you need to go – people need more help than me.”

As an inspector in safeguarding, Vicki Cubby also knows how important it is to show that high level of care.

“Currently, we are working on 150 investigations. Some of them are really complex investigations and we have to deal with some really horrible stuff.

“You have to put a different hat on for different things, whether it be concerns over a child’s safety or a 90 year old being beaten up in a care home

“When a job comes in concerning child protection, it is dealt with straight away and we are there within one hour."

Gary Emerson, chief executive at mental health charity Darlington Mind, praised front line officers for doing an "excellent job" but called for more resources for the health services.

He said: “As ever, the issue is money – more resources are needed to ensure people with mental health issues are diverted away from police cells and supported by specialist agencies like Darlington Mind and the mental health trust.

“Too many people fall through the net and more joined up thinking is needed."