Keeping the peace: A Baltimore sheriff’s deputy averts a tragedy : Exhibit A Baltimore

Keeping the peace: A Baltimore sheriff’s deputy averts a tragedy

By: Exhibit A
August 27, 2008

KENNETH BRUNSON
Age: 41
Profession: Deputy, Baltimore City Sheriff’s Department
Achievement: Named City Officer of the Year by the Metropolitan Baltimore affiliate of the National Association for Mental Illness. Last November, Brunson took into custody, without using force, a man who had barricaded himself in a basement and was pleading for deputies to kill him.

How long have you been a city sheriff’s deputy?
Approximately 7 years.

Does a city deputy often deal with emotionally unstable people? Do some specialize in it?
Occasionally deputies encounter people who are emotionally unstable while serving evictions or foreclosures. Myself and other deputies have received training that was designed to assist law enforcement officers in dealing with such situations.

Had you ever before been confronted by a person who asked to be killed?
Yes. I kept an ongoing conversation with the person to try to defuse the situation. I listened and empathized with the individual while letting him know that I was there to help.

Do law officers encounter people who attack them to provoke a fatal shooting? What can you do to prevent the death of the person and of officers?
Yes. The first step would be to recognize what is happening. Then as a law enforcement officer, one must try to calm and control the situation, gain the trust of the person while attempting to defuse the situation and call for assistance.

What training have you received for dealing with such crises?
I received BEST training. Behavior Emergency Services Team is a program that provides officers with four days of training. The goal was for officers to understand what it would feel like to be mentally ill. As part of the class, officers also would go to facilities where mentally ill patients are treated. BEST is a 24-hour hotline for officers to call if they feel like they are dealing with a person who has mental issues. The operators will respond and help the officer solve the problem.

Does the department have rules about using force in such situations? Do officers have much discretion?
The Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office has rules about using force in all situations. Each deputy is properly trained as a peace officer to always use discretion in all situations involving all citizens.

What is the key to resolving these crises without serious injury?
Patience is the most important element when dealing with individuals with mental illness. However, communication, understanding and developing trust are also essential.