Fixated Threat Assessment Centre New Zealand Annual Report July 2019 - June 2020

The Fixated Threat Assessment Centre New Zealand (FTAC) is a prevention-focused initiative that brings together police and mental health professionals to manage the risks posed by fixated people.

This report presents an overview of FTAC activities and outcomes during 2019/2020, its first year of operation. Some key findings are:

• New Zealand’s political open-door policy and approachable image provides the perfect platform for individuals to correspond and/or approach Members of parliament
• Of the 87 referrals received in the year, 44 had a serious psychotic illness of whom 14 had never previously been in treatment, 20 were not in treatment at the time of referral and the remaining 10 were in treatment
• The ability to share appropriate information between Police, Parliament and Mental Health Services allowed for much better treatment and outcomes for this group of people
• A number of cases could be resolved by listening to and understanding a person’s concerns and identifying ways that they can be supported and assisted
• Tailored advice and support could also be provided to people working in electorate offices.