West Shore RCMP frontline officers responded to a mental-health call on Wednesday, Aug. 9, where an individual stated they had already harmed themselves and were intent on continuing such behaviour.

When the officers arrived to the scene, they appended the person under the Mental Health Act. Due to the nature of the self-inflicted injuries, BC Emergency Health Services also tended to the patient before they were taken to hospital. During this interaction, the apprehended individual became violent toward police by biting them and attempting to disarm the officer.

"Our officer has sustained injuries from the biting and is expected to recover. However, situations like this re-iterate the unpredictability and potential for danger when responding to persons experiencing a mental health crisis", said Cpl. Nancy Saggar, West Shore RCMP Media Relations Officer.

Officers were able to gain control of the apprehended individual who was then taken to hospital where they were treated for both their physical and mental heath concerns.

The West Shore RCMP recently announced the formation of a Mental Health Unit which will pair Frontline Police Officers with Mental Health Clinicians.

The need for the unit has grown over the past five years as the West Shore RCMP has seen a 39% increase in mental health related calls for service from 1163 calls in 2018 to 1622 mental health related calls in 2022 according to the West Shore RCMP.

Photo Credit: Canada 247