A Military Veteran Peer Network (MVPN) volunteer, who recently became a law enforcement officer, was among the responders to a residence where an individual with a weapon was barricaded inside, threatening suicide.
The new officer took the lead in the situation. Contact and rapport was established with the person in crisis. The officer calmly gave instructions and reassurance and was successful in getting the person to come out on the porch. This was done without yelling or physical altercation.
The person was taken into custody and everyone was safe. Afterwards, it was confirmed that the weapon was a toy rifle.
A senior officer on the scene was highly impressed with how this rookie officer handled such a challenging situation, and asked where the officer learned to do that, and if there was some special training.
The rookie officer said “MVPN gets all the credit. Working with veterans in crisis and going through all the MVPN training is what gave me the skills and confidence needed to resolve that situation.”
Connect with the Military Veteran Peer Network. It’s members are good to talk with, know local resources & are beneficial to mental and overall well-being.
