The Prince Edward Island RCMP recognize the important role police play in responding to mental health crises. PEI RCMP responded to 1169 mental health calls and 636 wellbeing checks last year. These represent a diverse number of complaints from those who present extreme danger to themselves and others, to situations where individuals simply need to be connected with help. Wellbeing checks are instances where someone is concerned for someone else's well being, for example a family member concerned that they have not seen their loved one for some time, or there has been a change in their loved one's behaviour. Wellbeing checks listed here are only those instances that have been determined to not be mental health related.
RCMP take a de-escalation approach in dealing with mental health calls, while balancing public safety. The goal is always to bring the best possible outcomes for all those involved. In some of these cases those in crisis present a danger to themselves, healthcare workers and others; it is for this reason that police are often at the front line when responding to these situations.
RCMP Training:
Our goal is to bring about a peaceful, safe resolution and we train to achieve this goal. Almost all the officers with PEI RCMP have taken Crisis Intervention and De-escalation training. This course specifically trains officers to deal with mental health crisis incidents. Officers re-qualify on scenario-based training on an annual basis, these scenarios include Mental Health Crisis simulations and serve to reinforce the skills they have learned. In addition, officers have been trained with Road to Mental Readiness, ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), Resolving Conflict Effectively, Cultural Awareness and Humility training, Interest Based Negotiation, Understanding and Responding to Mental Illness, and many other continuous learning and developmental opportunities.
Resources:
We work with our partners including Mobile Mental Health, and other health care providers to connect those in crisis with the appropriate resources that may support them. PEI RCMP recognize that in most cases mental health incidents are not criminal in nature and our role is to ensure the safety of any health care provider, patient and the public while those in crisis access the health care resources they need.
PEI RCMP currently maintain a Police Mental Health Liaison. This position helps improve engagement with partner agencies under the Social Services umbrella, with a particular focus on Mobile Mental Health and BRIDGE. BRIDGE is a group of support agencies across PEI that meet regularly to coordinate help for those at high risk.
RCMP officers across the Province carry the 40mm Extended Range Impact Weapon, a less lethal intervention option. This weapon looks and sounds like a Firearm, but it fires a foam projectile. Its recent use proved it is a very useful tool for police in bringing about a safe less-lethal resolution to dangerous incidents, without having to resort to the use of potentially lethal force.
RCMP JURISDICTION MENTAL HEALTH OCCURRENCES
- (Jan 1 – Oct 8th) = 788
2023 = 1169
2022 = 991
2021 = 904
WELLNESS CHECKS
2024 Wellbeing checks (Jan 1 – Oct 8th) = 664
2023 Wellbeing checks = 618
PEI RCMP recognize the role police play in assisting with mental health calls. Training our personnel to respond in ways that will achieve the best possible outcomes for all involved has been, and will continue to remain a priority. As we engage with all those agencies and organizations involved in supporting mental health, we look to learn and stay current with the best practices available that will support those facing mental health issues. The safety of all Islanders is the top priority for all police agencies, regardless of any challenges individuals may face.
"Your PEI RCMP works with community partners and health professionals to ensure those that are in a mental health crisis are dealt with compassion and respect, while maintaining the safety of our communities, police officers, and the clients. We have demonstrated here on the island that we utilize de-escalation and all tools available to bring safe and successful conclusions to our interactions with the public. Due to the unpredictability of mental health incidents, safety of everyone involved is first and foremost", said Chief Superintendent Kevin Lewis.