Hays County's Crisis Negotiation Team has elevated their approach to assisting individuals experiencing mental health crises. During a recent training exercise, they have for the first time collaborated with the local fire department to utilize a bucket truck. This new measure is designed to simulate real-life situations where individuals might be found in elevated positions, as reported by FOX 7 Austin. Officer Joyce Bender actively participated in the training, portraying a character named Susie who was dealing with turmoil after a personal discovery. "When she got into the residence, she found the girlfriend with another female so she ran off," Bender told FOX 7 Austin.
The exercise allowed officers to calibrate how close they could get to someone who is in distress using the bucket truck and what equipment might be necessary in such situations. According to Yahoo News, Bender explained that their role is to "help to slow things down," recognizing that a person in a mental health crisis may feel their world is in complete disarray.
Negotiators involved in the training exercised active listening and de-escalation techniques, taking time to allow the person in crisis to express their emotions freely. "We do our active listening skills, de-escalation, we take time with the person and give them time to vent and yell," Bender said in a statement captured by Yahoo News. These are crucial elements in building rapport, an important step in managing such situations effectively and compassionately.
The Hays County team conducts varied training sessions monthly on different topics related to crisis negotiation and mental health interventions. They underscore the importance of reaching out for assistance if someone is grappling with mental health concerns, advising that individuals call or text 988, or dial 911 if in need of help. "Please call out for help," urged Bender in the articles by both FOX 7 Austin and Yahoo News.
