A NORTH-EAST officer, who is credited with paving the way for mental health support in policing across the country, is leaving the force.

On World Mental Health Day, yesterday, Inspector Steve Baker looked back at the positive changes he helped to introduce in the field.

He came to the region from Scotland to pursue his dream of becoming a police officer and now, as he says his farewells to the job he’s loved for three decades, he has reflected on his time in policing.

Insp Baker said: “I always wanted to be a police officer and follow in the footsteps of my step-father.

“I came to Newcastle back in 1991 and I have absolutely no regrets since.”

He said, despite his many roles, from neighbourhood policing to counter terrorism, his, “most rewarding accomplishment” is his work improving mental health services in policing.

Insp Baker played a pivotal role shaping the Northumbria force’s approach to mental health, before landing the role of national mental health advisor for the College of Policing and National Police Chiefs’ Council, in 2019.

He said: “Seven years in mental health has been the real highlight for me and being able to bring partners together and keep people safe is something I’m really proud to be part of.

“In my role as national lead for mental health for College of Policing, I have been able to influence senior people across the country to better support mental health issues and leaving a legacy and the impact you can have on hearts and minds makes me really proud to leave something behind.”

Insp Baker was also a key part of introducing the force’s street triage team, a dedicated mental health specialists who are on hand to deal with those in a mental health crisis scenario.

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