People detained in custody for mental health issues in Denmark

People suffering from severe mental health issues are often confined to what is commonly referred to as the “brummu,” according to Steen Nørskov, the chief police inspector, in yesterday’s news.

“It is undignified that we have no alternative but to detain individuals with significant psychological challenges in custody,” says Súsanna Olsen, chairwoman of Sinnisbata, a mental health advocacy organization.

Currently, there is no psychiatric emergency unit available, but since last spring, the medical emergency service has had a line of communication with the psychiatric department. However, this arrangement is not functioning adequately, according to Olsen.