The Weyburn Police Service responded to a high number of mental health-related calls last week, and, in numerous instances, the people were transported to the hospital for further care.
One of the more serious incidents involved a report of a suicidal male in a public area.
When apprehension is risky
Officers located the man, and due to his comments and behaviour, apprehended him under the Mental Health Act. While the man attempted to flee the police, resisting apprehension, he ultimately went willingly with the police to the hospital.
Deputy Chief Shane St. John said these kinds of situations can be ‘rather intense’, especially if the person becomes combative.
“This person was in such distress that they needed to be apprehended. It puts our officers a little bit of risk as well, when someone becomes combative in that state. But we need to make sure that person is going to be okay, so unfortunately, sometimes a little bit of force needs to be used to get that person the help that they need.”
He said the person who reported the incident made the right call.
“They don’t want to be stopped, right? And [someone acting suicidal]’s the last thing we want, especially in public,” he said, noting the members spent a lot of time de-escalating the situation.
“Our members are very good at de-escalation and mental health training, and really trying to get them to comply before it gets to any type of resisting.”
Well wishes
As officers were able to safely gain control of the man and transport him to hospital for care, due to his mental state at the time of the incident, no charges for resisting arrest were pursued.
“After our part is done, we don’t necessarily follow up, unless it’s something criminal in nature, so hopefully they’re getting the care they need.”
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