Portsmouth Police officers wore more than just their uniforms yesterday — they also wore the hats of peacekeepers, mediators, and crisis responders in two very different, non-criminal calls for help.
MELTDOWN OVER MINECRAFT?
At 8:30 p.m., a 911 call came in from frustrated parents dealing with an unplugged 7-year-old. The child had reportedly hit adults and shouted threats after being cut off from his Xbox. Turns out, the meltdown was all about screen time. The kid had smacked a sibling during the tantrum.
When officers arrived, they quickly assessed that no one was in real danger. Instead of handcuffs, they offered calm conversation — and even gave the kids a quick tour of the police cruiser to lighten the mood. Cooler heads prevailed, apologies were made, and no one went to jail — not even the Xbox.
Reminder to parents: While police are always ready to protect, calling 911 for basic discipline issues may not be the best solution. Mental health professionals, school counselors, or parenting support services may be more effective in handling childhood behavioral challenges.
ADDICTION CRISIS CALL
In a much more serious case that same night, a mother called 911, fearing her adult son had taken drugs and was experiencing severe paranoia. She told officers she wanted to get him back into rehab.
Responding officers immediately called in the city’s Drug Crisis Response Team. The specialized unit arrived, spoke with the man, and successfully transported him to a treatment facility — no arrest, just help.
This call highlights the expanding role law enforcement plays in connecting people to life-saving resources. Whether it’s mental health services, addiction treatment, or emergency shelter, police often serve as the first point of contact in a growing number of non-criminal emergencies.
Bottom line: Not every 911 call is about catching criminals — sometimes it’s about calming chaos, bridging gaps, and getting people the help they really need.
