In the Canadian province of Ontario, there continues to be a significant strain on frontline staff at agencies because police are called up to address both the health and human services needs of the community.

This came to a tipping point in 2023, as officers from the Windsor Police Service (WPS) were waiting at the hospital between 3 and 11 hours—on average—for transfer of care services with individuals apprehended under the Mental Health Act. Consequently, response to priority emergency calls was affected as police officers were required to remain at the hospital with the apprehended individuals.