I think that there are a number of potential procedural fixes like that, but I've had the crown tell me about the challenges they have when it comes to satisfying the court when it comes to bail and remand decisions. Defence counsels talk about the challenges that they have because the person has no fixed address or doesn't have anybody who will provide surety. There are all kinds of things.
I've had—from your world you know this—police say that they can't tie up endless resources sitting with people in emergency rooms and hospitals. When the hospital has a zero tolerance policy and when somebody's behaviour is so disruptive that they call the police because they want somebody arrested, that's what they need. Yes, everybody recognizes that this is somebody with a mental health issue, but it's also creating another problem in terms of the operation of the hospital.
All of these things go into the mix, including repeated contact. As you say, it's often the same person you see all the time. It's repeated contact. Very sadly, in criminal justice, it's one of the only social initiatives, social programs, public services, where we continue to do the same thing over and over again and expect a different result. It's very frustrating for the police to have to deal with these individuals time and again and it doesn't affect change.
But I think you're right. There are a number of procedural fixes that could have a positive impact.