Emily Knight doesn’t wear a blue uniform and she doesn’t arrest anyone, but she has just been named NSW Police Kuring-gai Local Area Command’s Employee of the Month.

Emily is a mental health nurse but instead of working in a hospital, she works out of the police station as part of program to have mental health workers as first responders with police.

As part of the PACER program – a collaboration with NSW Police, NSW Ambulance and NSW Health – a clinician attends with police at the point of crisis and can assist with de-escalation, conduct a meatal health assessment, offer reassurance, support and provides clinical leadership, directions and alternative approach.

“The police have been very welcoming and receptive of mental health clinicians within their service; and mental health has become an integral part of their team. 

“They have been extremely supportive of the PACER program and have shown a keen interest to learn and enhance their mental health knowledge, including how to approach different scenarios to achieve positive outcomes.”

Northern Sydney Local Health District has mental health clinicians working at Hornsby and Dee Why police stations.

Being acknowledged by her police colleagues, Emily said, was a humbling experience.

“I feel very honoured and appreciated by my police colleagues. I have been told it is unheard of and the first time a civilian was awarded the Employee of the Month within the police organisation,” she said.

“This makes a profound achievement and humbling experience.”