Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Mental Health Response topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Wichita officer recounts taser deployment to secure person in crisis; officials point to 988
Summary
Officer Rick Pena described a response to an individual armed with a knife; he said officers used a taser after verbal commands failed, provided first aid and transported the person to a hospital, and officials encouraged use of 988 or local CallCare Crisis Services.
Officer Rick Pena, public information officer with the Wichita Police Department, described an incident in which officers responded to a report of an attempted suicide and found a person in crisis armed with a knife and with visible injuries.
Pena said officers issued several commands for the individual to drop the weapon and, when verbal commands were unsuccessful, they deployed a taser ‘‘to safely secure the person and get them the help they needed.’’ After the person was secured, officers provided immediate medical aid, controlling bleeding until emergency medical services and fire personnel arrived. The individual was then transported to a local hospital for further treatment.
Pena framed the response as an example of preserving life and compassion in crisis response. He also urged anyone thinking about suicide to call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or contact CallCare Crisis Services at (316) 660-7500 for local help. The briefing did not record charges or further case details.
