Nanaimo RCMP adapting as mental health calls steadily rise
NANAIMO — Two Nanaimo Mounties are being hailed as heroes after talking a young woman off the top railing of the Bastion Street bridge, another example of the evolving role of police officers.
Nanaimo RCMP Cst. Gary O’Brien said the two members, Cst. Derek Carl and Cst. Jessica Barnett, responded to the call in late May and found the woman dangerously perched on top of the downtown bridge.
As Barnett struck-up a conversation with the woman, who O’Brien said appeared to be in her late-teens, Carl was able to grab her off the ledge and bring her to safety.
O’Brien said it’s nothing new for their members, who are dealing with mental health or social disorder issues during more than 60 per cent of their call-outs.