Oklahoma County Deputies Train For Mental Health Crisis Response

An Oklahoma County deputy responded to a mental health crisis call on Oct. 1. A man was going to jump off a bridge in order to end his life. The responding deputy was able to save the man, and get him mental health help on the scene.

Thursday, Sheriff Tommie Johnson held a meeting to discuss responding to a crisis like this. Mental health is a priority for Johnson.

“We are asked to be proficient in so many areas, but that is the call of law enforcement,” Johnson said.

First responders answer all types of calls every day. Currently, the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office is training in crisis intervention. Most of the deputies have been trained, Johnson said, but they are working to get all of them trained.

Part of their crisis intervention is getting help to those who need it.

“We ask if they want to talk to a therapist on a tablet and the response is amazing,” Lieutenant Gene Bradley said, who is in charge of the mental health department. “One hundred percent of the time, they’re surprised, but then they’re excited. They can get a therapist on the line in their environment and have a conversation.”

Bradley and other deputies are using tablets to connect people in crisis directly to a psychologist.

“What that does is it helps deescalate the situation even more and then offers continuity of care, so there’s some action plan after,” Bradley said.

Both Johnson and Bradley are continuing to work with their colleagues on how they address mental health.

Mental Health Lifeline: Information And Resources

It is our policy to provide resources for anybody considering self-harm when reporting about a situation involving suicide or a suicide attempt. 

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a certified listener, call 1-800-273-8255.

The Veterans Crisis Line and Military Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1) connect veterans and service members in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text.

Crisis Text Line is a texting service for emotional crisis support. To speak with a trained listener, text HELLO to 741741. It is free, available 24/7, and confidential.

For 988 resources, click here.

For more information and resources from the Oklahoma Mental Health and Substance Abuse, click here.