Policing.uk
Section 135
- Mental health
Section 135 of the Mental Health Act 1983 provides two powers. Section 135(1) allows an approved mental health professional to apply to a magistrate for a warrant authorising a constable (and the AMHP and a doctor) to enter premises and remove a person believed to be suffering from a mental disorder to a place of safety for assessment. Section 135(2) allows a constable to retake a patient who has absconded from lawful detention.
In practice
A section 135(1) warrant is used where there are concerns about a person in a private dwelling who cannot be accessed through voluntary means. It requires advance planning involving police, ambulance, and mental health services. The warrant is executed by a constable and must be accompanied by the AMHP and a doctor where practicable.
Last updated 12 October 2026