A team of East Providence Police officers helped to safely de-escalate a mental health crisis overnight Thursday on the John E. Rebello Memorial Bridge. (Photo Courtesy East Providence Police)
*Click here for body-worn camera footage of the incident’s resolution.*
EAST PROVIDENCE — Chief Michael J. Rapoza reports that a team of specially trained East Providence Police officers peacefully resolved a mental health crisis early Thursday morning.
The East Providence Police and Fire Departments responded to the John E. Rebello Memorial Bridge on Taunton Avenue following a 911 call from a man experiencing a mental health crisis at about 11:57 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 30. The bridge and surrounding roadways were temporarily closed.
East Providence Police Sgt. Stephen Ohsberg, Patrolman Logan Casala and Patrolman Zachary Souza responded to the scene. They were joined by Detective Patrick Kelley, Detective Patrick Holmes and Patrolman Brandon Normann, who are also members of the Department’s Crisis Negotiation Team. They used their training in active listening and de-escalation to communicate with the man.
After about 30 minutes of successful de-escalation, officers safely took the man into protective custody. He was uninjured.
“I commend our officers for the patience and care they showed this individual,” said Chief Rapoza. “The fact that three members of our Crisis Negotiation Team were on duty this morning proved immensely helpful. Their training helped them build trust and bring this incident to a safe resolution in which the individual was connected with the appropriate mental health services.”
The East Providence Police Crisis Negotiation Team, part of the Department’s Special Reaction Team (SRT), consists of about six officers who have received specialized in crisis resolution, active listening and de-escalation.
Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, or who sees someone in crisis, should call 911, 211 or 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
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