On Wednesday, December 11, 2019, at 6:28 p.m., Central Precinct Officers responded to a call that a subject had texted another person indicating he was at an unknown bridge and ready to jump. At one point, the suicidal subject sent a text of his feet dangling off a bridge.

Officers were able to locate the suicidal subject on the Vista Bridge located outside of the fenced barrier. Two Enhanced Crisis Intervention Team (ECIT) Officers established contact and negotiated with the male for about an hour. Nearby street and Max train traffic was halted for safety reasons during this time.

After nearly an hour of conversation, Officers convinced the subject to climb back over the barrier fence. The subject was placed on a hold and taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation. No force was used in this encounter.

During the holiday season, it can be especially difficult for many members in our community struggling with mental health issues. Help is available for those struggling from a mental health crisis and/or suicidal thoughts. Suicide is preventable.

The Multnomah County Mental Health Call Center is available 24 hours a day at 503-988-4888.
If you or someone you know is in mental health crisis please visit Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare's Urgent Walk-In Clinic. The clinic is located at 4212 SE Division and is open from 7am to 10:30pm, 7 days a week. Services are free and available to individuals of all ages.

Lines for Life is also available 24 hours a day at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Information about the Portland Police Bureau's Behavioral Health Unit (BHU) and additional resources can be found by visiting http://portlandoregon.gov/police/bhu

Enhanced Crisis Intervention Team (ECIT) officers volunteer for additional crisis intervention training beyond the 40 hours all sworn members get. They are assigned throughout the Bureau and respond to calls when dispatched or requested. The policy covering ECIT response is located at this link: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/article/701129

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