When Silence Is Risky: First Responders Step In to Check on Mental Health Concerns

Portsmouth police officers spent part of their day responding to multiple calls involving fears of self-harm—situations where no crime had occurred, but where checking on someone’s safety mattered just as much as making an arrest. In the first incident, police were contacted by staff at the VA Clinic, who were concerned about comments made by a man during a conversation with the pain clinic. According to the caller, the man had made statements suggesting he was “done with everything,” raising fears he might harm himself. Clinic staff told police they had spoken with a woman identified as Linda Pack, who said she had just left the man and believed he was fine and planning to take a shower. However, officers were unable to locate her at the address. When officers arrived, they found the man at home, getting dressed. They spoke with him through a front window, and he told officers he was fine and didn’t understand why police had been called. Officers also noted his van was running in the driveway. After speaking with him and assessing the situation, officers determined there was no immediate threat. Later in the day, officers responded to a second call after a woman dialed 911 fearing her husband was having suicidal thoughts. Officers made contact with the man via FaceTime. Police reported that he made no threats of self-harm, though he appeared to be under the influence and was visibly agitated. The man told officers he simply wanted to be left alone and had no intention of hurting himself. He declined services from Shawnee Mental Health. Officers advised the wife of his agitated state and respected his request for space, noting that no crime had occurred at that time. After officers cleared the scene, the woman later contacted police again, saying her husband had threatened to damage her property and that she had nowhere else to go. Officers explained the legal options available and noted that when police were present earlier, there had been no arguing and no criminal behavior observed. Both parties had left the scene voluntarily. Checking Before It’s Too Late While neither call resulted in arrests or hospitalizations, police say these situations highlight an often unseen part of law enforcement work: wellness checks and mental health responses. In both cases, officers took the time to respond, speak directly with those involved, assess risk, and ensure no immediate danger existed. It’s work that doesn’t always make headlines—but can be critical in preventing tragedy. First responders emphasize that when someone voices concern about another person’s mental health, it’s always better to make the call and have officers check than to stay silent and hope for the best.

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