A Sudbury police officer recognized a woman was having a mental health crisis and de-escalated the situation using CMHA-approved techniques. The Greater Sudbury Police Service has been working with CMHA and Health Sciences North Crisis Team to provide this training to officers, which was evident in Det.-Const. Ryan Johnson’s actions.
Johnson responded to a mental health crisis call on Monday evening that very likely saved the life of a 19-year-old woman who was precariously perched atop a bridge.
Johnson responded to a mental health crisis call on Monday evening that very likely saved the life of a 19-year-old woman who was precariously perched atop a bridge.
According to the Sudbury Star, Johnson first asked for permission to approach the woman and speak with her. Once he got close enough, he asked if he could hold her jacket while they chatted. When she agreed he quickly secured her by the waist, escorted her off the bridge and took her to hospital.
The way Johnson handled the situation is an example of the collaboration between community mental health providers and police services to provide appropriate local service to people experiencing a mental health crisis.
CMHA advocates for increased de-escalation and mental health training for police officers across the province to ensure that any mental health crisis met by police is handled in the best possible way with positive outcomes.