Devon and Cornwall Police claim a fifth of their time is now spent dealing with people who have mental health problems.
They say shrinking budgets are causing tension between police forces and healthcare providers.
The force's Assistant Chief Constable Paul Netherton says it's unacceptable.
Devon rapist jailed for 19 years
Christopher Hotline repeatedly attacked his victim
Children arriving at Paignton school ‘cold, tired and hungry’
MP speaks out in Universal Credit debate
Geologists called to survey Exeter landslip
Daily inspections taking place
Video shows Co-op ram-raid
Four people sought by police
Residents devastated by destroyed coastal road
Locals being updated by MP
Bad parking blamed for Torquay bus route changes
'These streets didn’t suddenly become narrow'
