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The UK has announced a pilot scheme to help mentally ill people who have been arrested. Mental health nurses will work in police stations in different areas of England. They will spot those with mental health issues earlier so they can receive the correct treatment. The UK's Care and Support minister explained he wanted to stop people offending, and reduce the risk of more victims suffering. The policing minister said: "Police officers should be focused on fighting crimes, and people with mental health conditions should get the care they need as early as possible."

The project could really change how the UK's police force uses staff and resources. Police officers spend up to 25 per cent of their time dealing with suspected offenders with mental health problems. The Rethink Mental Illness charity welcomed the new project. It said Britain's criminal justice system often "leads to poor outcomes" and frustration for those with mental health problems, police officers and others. It added: "This initiative has the potential to stop people going unnecessarily to prison. It can also, "reduce reoffending rates and save millions in taxpayers' money".