Division of Police and MH/DS

A local couple emailed the Chief of Police and Laura Totty to thank them for the sensitive yet strong response by Police and MH/DS to a mental health crisis involving their son. He had been previously diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and was having a serious manic episode. His episodes had been increasing in severity over the past couple of months.

The couple called Police after their son began acting in a threatening manner. Six officers arrived and patiently communicated with their son and convinced him to come out of the basement room in which he had locked himself. MH/DS caseworker Patrick Swann and a supervisor soon arrived and helped the young man and the police diffuse the situation.

All parties agreed that he should be involuntarily admitted to an ER. The officers took him peacefully to the hospital where he received the help he needed. The couple mentioned that they had a similar incident in the City of Richmond seven years ago, but with very different results. They mentioned that Henrico’s mental health team was head and shoulders above their counterparts in Central Virginia and thanked them again for helping them navigate through a difficult time. Outstanding job!