Police officers are set to spend less time on mental health-related callouts as a new gang crackdown gets under way. 

The Police Minister, and Commissioner, have suggested mental health callouts are 'draining' resources. 

The pair announced a new specialist gang unit would be set up, confirming some officers would be re-prioritised and some more would be hired. 

Police Commissioner Andrew Coster told Andrew Dickens that at the moment they can end up sitting for hours in emergency departments with someone, waiting for support. 

He says they'll attend where Police are absolutely required, but they're not going to stay for hours. 

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