Police discuss ethics of dealing with 'welfare calls'
Amy Orton
Local Democracy Reporter
Leicestershire Police's deputy chief constable has said more than 70% of police time is spent dealing with incidents "most people wouldn't associate with crime".
Speaking at a meeting of the Police and Crime Commissioner's Ethics Committee, Rob Nixon said a significant part of the force's work is providing assistance to other services.
The meeting discussed whether police should be answering calls from East Midlands Ambulance Service and other health providers.
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Mr Nixon said attending the call-outs can often result in the police being scrutinised and criticised and has the potential to leave them open to civil claims.
He explained: "One example is a sad case where we were called by mental health practitioners who were dealing with a patient who was threatening to lock himself in his house and set fire to it.
"We said that we would attend to assist with gaining entry but unfortunately the man set fire to the property and died as a result.
"Because we were there, we were then subject to an Independent Office for Police Conduct investigation and six officers had to attend a week-long inquest."
Two men have been arrested after reports of homophobic leaflets being distributed in Newcastle city centre.
On Sunday police said they received "a number of reports" about abusive behaviour at Grey's Monument in the city centre.
Police said two men were allegedly shouting derogatory statements about the LGBT community and handing out what were described as "offensive" leaflets.
Two men, aged 60 and 52, were arrested for public order offences and remain in custody.
Northumbria Police said it was treating the incident as a hate crime.