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West Shore
2023-08-10 12:55 PDT
File # 2023-16077
On August 9, West Shore RCMP Frontline officers responded to 11 mental health related calls for service. Though we have seen an increase in mental health related calls for service over the last several years, this number is unusually high as on average, West Shore RCMP has been responding to 5-6 calls of this nature per day.
Frontline officers responded to one call in particular on August 9, where an individual stated they had already harmed themselves and were intent on continuing this behaviour. Frontline officers attended and appended the person under the Mental Health Act. Due to the nature of the self-inflicted injuries, BC Emergency Health Services also tended to the patient before they were taken to hospital. During this interaction, the apprehended individual became violent toward police by biting them and attempting to disarm the officer.
Our officer has sustained injuries from the biting and is expected to recover. However, situations like this re-iterate the unpredictability and potential for danger when responding to persons experiencing a mental health crisis, said Cpl. Nancy Saggar, West Shore RCMP Media Relations Officer.
Our officer has sustained injuries from the biting and is expected to recover. However, situations like this re-iterate the unpredictability and potential for danger when responding to persons experiencing a mental health crisis
Officers were able to gain control of the apprehended individual who was then taken to hospital where they were treated for both their physical and mental heath concerns.
West Shore RCMP recently announced the formation of a Mental Health Unit which will pair Frontline Police Officers with Mental Health Clinicians. The need for the unit has grown over the past 5 years as the West Shore RCMP has seen a 39% increase in mental health related calls for service from 1163 calls in 2018 to 1622 mental health related calls in 2022. See our previous release for more details on the upcoming Mental Health Unit.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available. Find out more through the Island Health web page. You can also call the Vancouver Island 24 Hour Crisis line at 1-888-494-3888.
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Email: westshore_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca Website: westshore.rcmp-grc.gc.ca (English only)
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