A Portsmouth father took the right precaution this week by calling 911 to request an officer’s presence during a child custody exchange — a smart move that helped prevent conflict and ensure the safety of everyone involved.
The man told dispatchers he had been granted emergency custody of his children and asked that an officer accompany him during the handoff. Officers went with him to two separate locations, but the children’s mother could not initially be located.
Eventually, officers spoke with the maternal grandmother, who was able to get in touch with her daughter. The children’s mother later arrived at the grandmother’s home, and under the supervision of officers, the custody exchange was completed peacefully.
Why It’s Smart to Involve Police in Situations Like This
When tensions are high — especially during custody disputes — emotions can escalate quickly. Having an officer present:
- ✅ Provides neutral oversight
- ✅ Helps de-escalate potential conflict
- ✅ Ensures the safety of the children
- ✅ Offers a clear record of events
- ✅ Helps enforce legal custody orders
Police aren’t there to take sides — they’re there to keep the peace and ensure that legal procedures are followed. In this case, the father’s call likely helped avoid a volatile confrontation, and law enforcement was able to facilitate a peaceful resolution.
A Reminder for Co-Parents
If you’re navigating a high-conflict custody situation, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Officers are trained to handle these emotionally charged moments and often assist in civil standby requests like this one.
It’s always better to involve police before things escalate than to deal with the aftermath later.