Special medical clinics with doctors, psychologists and addiction experts are being offered as an alternative to locking up intoxicated or mentally unwell people.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority is calling for change to the current system in which police take at-risk people into custody.

The report says officers simply don't have the training and expertise to deal with people who are severely drunk, high or mentally ill.

Criminal defence lawyer Ron Mansfield believes detox and assessment centres are the answer, even through they will come with an initial extra cost.

"At least we know we're picking up the problem and hopefully treating it, so we're not simply releasing people back into the community where they get into trouble again."

Mansfield believes we need clinics where people can be assessed and treated by medical staff.

"There needs to be a group of professionals helping such as psychologists, doctors, and those that are fully trained in drug and alcohol issues."

The Ministry of Health is already helping police overcome a number of shortcomings identified in the IPCA report. Director of Mental Health Doctor John Crawshaw says they're hoping to release national protocols around the middle of the year.

"For this to work, there needs to be not just guidelines for the frontline staff but also an ongoing working relationship at management levels."

Crawshaw believes there's room for change.

"Sometimes it's a matter of change of practice, sometimes it's making sure protocols between the police and the mental health services are in place and that everyone knows who to contact when a situation arises."