Fairfield Police officers used Crisis Intervention Team training to safely de-escalate a situation involving an armed juvenile in a mental health crisis last weekend, according to a press release from Interim Chief Joel Smith.
On July 25th at approximately 8:27 p.m., officers were dispatched to a residence following a report of a juvenile experiencing a mental health crisis and threatening self-harm. Upon arrival, officers found the juvenile in possession of a knife and immediately began communicating with them. Using calm communication and patience drawn from their Crisis Intervention Team training, officers worked to de-escalate the situation. After approximately 15 minutes, the juvenile safely put the knife down without anyone being injured.
As officers attempted to take the juvenile into protective custody for a mental health evaluation, the juvenile became combative, biting and kicking officers. Officers safely took the juvenile into custody and transported them to Jefferson County Health Center for evaluation.
While at the hospital, the juvenile again became combative and attempted to assault a healthcare worker and a family member. Officers intervened to protect everyone involved and were again assaulted while safely restraining the juvenile.
Interim Chief Smith praised the officers’ conduct throughout the incident. The department noted that officers demonstrated exceptional professionalism, patience, and restraint, relying on their Crisis Intervention Team training to de-escalate the situation whenever possible and using only the amount of force reasonably necessary to protect the juvenile, healthcare staff, family members, and themselves.
The Fairfield Police Department said it remains committed to responding to mental health crises with compassion while prioritizing the safety of those in crisis, their loved ones, healthcare professionals, and officers. Because the incident involves a juvenile, no additional identifying information will be released.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If there is an immediate danger to life, call 911.
