WARREN, Mich. – “I’m 17.”
“You’re 17? OK. What are we doing here today?”
“I just want to die.”
“I don’t want you to die.”
Those were the words exchanged between a Warren police officer and a distressed teenager during a 2023 mental health crisis.
The teen held a gun to his head, but the officer’s calm, empathetic response helped to de-escalate the situation.
“It’s just me, bud. All you gotta do is put that gun down,” the officer said, ultimately helping to convince the teen to lower the weapon. The crisis ended peacefully, with the teen receiving treatment.
Moments like that reminded Lieutenant Brent Chisholm of the Warren Police Department and how important emotional intelligence training is for the entire force.
After reviewing use-of-force incidents and citizen complaints, Chisholm saw an opportunity to improve officers’ ability to manage high-stress situations.
“Our job in policing is communicating — it’s what it’s all about,” Chisholm said. “Nobody calls us because they’re happy or want us to say, ‘Hi, everything’s great.’ We always see people at their worst.”
Officers often face intense emotional challenges on the job, from witnessing traumatic events to managing their personal well-being.
“I remember after giving CPR to this baby who didn’t make it,” Chisholm said. “The very next thing I did was go on patrol and handle another call. After you go home, you think about those things. It does get hard.”
“We very rarely lean on others around us, and those are the ones who want to support us the most,” said Cpl. Kevin Barnhill. “Our community wants to support us. Our families want to support us, and we shut them out.”
The department’s emotional intelligence training includes videos, books, discussions, and hands-on activities to help officers better understand their own emotions and the emotions of others.
By enhancing these skills, officers can de-escalate volatile situations and build stronger connections with the community.
“Our officers are people just like those that they’re serving,” said Commissioner Eric Hawkins. “And those people who happen to be police officers are going to be able to serve this community a lot more effectively and efficiently. They’ll also be able to help those they’re serving who may have some of the same emotions and stressors they’re dealing with.”
Commissioner Hawkins added that every sworn officer will be going through this emotional intelligence training. They’re beginning with their peer response team.
