MEDIA RELEASE / COMMUNITY ALERT
For Immediate Release No. 20190819-048
Monday, August 19, 2019
SMPD Helps Man in Crisis After Near Seven-Hour Standoff
San Mateo, CA – On Monday, August 19, 2019 at 9:54 A.M. San Mateo Police Department officers were called to the 100 block of Sycamore Avenue regarding a welfare check on a suicidal subject. Upon arrival at the home, the subject barricaded himself inside the home’s attic, preventing officers from entering, and ultimately trapping himself inside. Crisis intervention trained (CIT) patrol officers and crisis negotiators responded and initiated negotiations with him.
Crisis negotiators worked with the subject for nearly seven-hours. Since the subject had trapped himself in the attic, SMPD partnered with San Mateo Consolidated Fire personnel to gain access to the space. Ultimately, the subject surrendered and was safely taken into custody. He was transported to a local hospital for a 72-hour mental health evaluation. Due to the mental health nature of this incident, SMPD is keeping the subject’s name confidential.
The lack of mental health crisis services across California has resulted in law enforcement officers serving as first responders to most crises. The San Mateo Police Department advocates crisis intervention training (CIT) and our police officers undergo a 40-hour intensive program. Through collaborative community partnerships and intensive training, CIT improves communication, identifies mental health resources for those in crisis and ensures officer and community safety. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) created a short video to help explain CIT. Please follow this link to view the video: https://goo.gl/M3wqS9.
MEDIA INQUIRES
Michael Haobsh
Public Information Officer
Community & Media Relations
Direct: (650) 522-7626
Email: [email protected]
###
