Saugeen Shores Police Service praised for compassion and de-escalation skills
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The compassion and effective intervention by Saugeen Shores Police Service (SSPS) officers in domestic disputes and mental health crises were highlighted by Town Coun. Cheryl Grace during the March 28 committee of the whole meeting as councillors received the latest minutes of the SSPS board.
“The pandemic and other social and economic challenges have demanded much of our police services and they step up to meet the needs in our community and this set of minutes has several examples illustrating how they do that,” Grace said, alluding to the Feb. 16 board meeting minutes.
In one note, Chief Kevin Zettel thanked Cst. Kaitlin Schenck for her compassion and thoughtfulness. He said that on Jan. 27, Kaitlyn informed him of a social media positing about a young boy (Joshua) at the Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh who is battling cancer. He collects police patches and opening mail with patches keeps him happy.
The Chief said Cst. Schenck asked if SSPS could send Joshua some patches to cheer him up and she prepared a letter which was added to the patches and a pin to be mailed out.
In an email, a parent thanked Chief Zettel, expressing gratitude for the way that Cst. Schenck and Cst. Gordon helped diffuse a family dispute in early February.
The parent thanked the officers for their kind approach and calmly speaking with all involved to de-escalate the situation.
A related item in the Feb. 16 police board minutes reports that SSPS has been given the opportunity to register for Virtual Reality Mental Health Crisis Response Training (VR-HMCRT).
It is described as a scenario- based curriculum and evaluation framework that offers an evidence-based, standardized training protocol on de-escalation and mental health crisis response for police services across Ontario. SSPS are currently waiting on training and equipment.
As well, the February in-service monthly training was an intimate partner violence presentation by Sgt. Ken Cook who gave a. 15-minute presentation on intimate partner violence, referencing a case study, reporting, safety planning, and current legislation. `
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