MEDIA RELEASE / COMMUNITY ALERT
For Immediate Release No. 20191113-060
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
SMPD Responds to 48-Year-Old Man in Mental Health Crisis
San Mateo, CA – On Wednesday, November 13,2019 at 6:09 A.M. San Mateo Police Department officers were called to the 1200 block of Rhus Street regarding a family disturbance involving a mental health crisis. The subject harmed himself and was transported to a local trauma center by paramedics for treatment.
Arriving officers learned the person in crisis was experiencing hallucinations/delusions, had been violent with his family members, and was armed with a knife. Crisis intervention trained (CIT) patrol officers and crisis negotiators responded and initiated negotiations with the man. Officers learned the individual had stabbed himself and was hiding on the rooftop of his residence. Officers negotiated with the subject for several hours. Unfortunately, he deliberately jumped from the roof resulting in injury. Paramedics on scene immediately began rendering medical aid before transporting the person to a local trauma center.
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. According to Chief Susan Manheimer, “Our hope is to always show individuals there are options and other paths available to assist them through their crisis. 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]
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