Shrewsbury police officers commended over river suicide threat
Two Shrewsbury police officers have been commended for their actions in preventing a suicidal man jumping from a bridge into the River Severn.
Police Constables Chris Baldwin and Kevin Payne talked the man off the bridge on Telford Way and ensured he received appropriate medical care.
Both officers have been awarded Superintendent's Commendations for their "negotiation skills, tenacity and caring attitude" leading to the rescue of the man.
The incident happened at around 8pm on July 5. PC Baldwin was off duty walking along Telford Way when he spotted a man who had climbed over the bridge parapet threatening to jump into the river below.
He called 999 while opening up a conversation with the man. Several members of the public also called the police fearing for his safety. PC Payne was the first uniformed officer to arrive and also started negotiating with the man.
Inspector Ed Hancox, the supervising officer, said: "PC Baldwin and PC Payne managed to strike up a rapport with the man, establishing the reasons for his action. They offered care and support while at the same time, not making false promises. They recognised that building a rapport was the best way of resolving the situation, despite not having a trained negotiator at the scene.
"Both officers remained calm throughout, speaking to the male while keeping myself and the control room updated. They used several different perspectives of negotiation before eventually persuading him to climb back over the railings to safety. The man was then taken to hospital for medical attention."
Inspector Hancox added: "This incident was brought to a successful conclusion in an efficient, calm and professional manner. There is a good chance that without the communication skills and tenacity of both officers involved, the man could have lost his life in a fast-flowing river."
