article_snippet: But when there is a shortage of beds, the police force has step in.
article_snippet: Wiltshire Police told the Advertiser the Advertiser policy is not to put patients in cells, but staff are often left with no other choice.
article_snippet: A spokesman said the police force signed the national Crisis Care Concordat last year, a national agreement between services and agencies involved in the care and support of people in crisis.
article_snippet: A spokesman said: 'the police force specifically states that police officers should not have to consider using police custody as an alternative location if there is a lack of local mental health provision.
article_snippet: However, in practice this does still occur but is rare and seen by police as a last resort.'