Role-playing helps NYC police interact with the mentally ill
A woman called Emily, tears streaming down her face, stood on a ledge threatening to jump. For 15 minutes, a police sergeant used the common thread that connects them — they’re both mothers — to gradually talk her out of killing herself.
The scene, played out earlier this month at the NYPD’s training facility, was an act, part of a training program meant to help patrol officers in the nation’s largest department better handle the growing number of interactions they have with people in emotional or mental distress.
“Even though it’s a scenario, my hands are like this,” said a shaking Sgt. Cecilia Luckie after talking to Erin Shields, the actress portraying Emily. “My mouth is dry.”