Assistance & Aid • When Someone Needs Police Support

A single-sheet guide to understanding how support, safety, and communication work when a person needs police assistance.

Safety & Support Calm Communication Human-Centered Aid

Focus: Safety • Clarity • Care

1. Immediate Safety

First priority

Purpose

Center the person’s safety and sense of stability before anything else.

Key Ideas

Notice if the person is in immediate danger.
Encourage moving toward safer spaces when possible.
Use calm, steady tone and simple language.

Safety first Lower the panic

We have noticed what feels unsafe right now.

We are looking for or imagining safer spaces or people.

2. Reaching Out for Help

Connecting to responders

Purpose

Connect the person with appropriate emergency or crisis responders in their area.

Helpful Information to Share

What is happening right now.
Where the situation is taking place (location or landmark).
Whether anyone is hurt or in danger.
Whether the person is alone or with others.

Clear, simple facts Short sentences

We can describe what is happening in one or two sentences.

We know roughly where the situation is happening.

3. Support While Waiting

Emotional steadiness

Purpose

Help the person feel less alone and more grounded while waiting for responders.

Supportive Actions

Offer calm reassurance: “You’re not alone right now.”
Encourage slow, steady breathing.
Keep gentle conversation going to reduce panic.

Steady voice No judgment

The person has heard at least one reassuring sentence.

We are focusing on one moment at a time.

4. When Officers Arrive

On-scene support

Purpose

Understand what police typically focus on when they reach the scene.

Common Steps

Checking for immediate danger or injuries.
Securing the area so no one else is harmed.
Asking basic questions about what happened.
Calling medical or other services if needed.

Helpful Mindset

Offer honest, simple answers.
Remember: the goal is safety and clarity.

We understand that officers are checking for safety first.

We are prepared to share simple, truthful information.

5. After the Immediate Crisis

Ongoing care

Purpose

Recognize that support often continues after officers leave the scene.

Possible Next Supports

Victim or survivor advocates.
Counselors, social workers, or crisis teams.
Trusted friends, family, or community members.

Helpful Needs to Name

“I need someone to explain what happens next.”
“I need help contacting someone I trust.”
“I need time and space to calm down.”

Longer-term support Questions are okay

We have identified at least one person or service for follow-up support.

We have named at least one need (information, comfort, or connection).

6. Role of Supporters

Friends, family, community

Purpose

Highlight how non-officers—friends, family, neighbors, staff—can be a steady presence.

Supporter Roles

Offer calm presence and listening.
Help the person remember they are not alone.
Help recall important details if the person is overwhelmed.
Encourage connection to ongoing resources.

Compassion Non-judgment

We can name at least one supportive person or role.

We understand that emotional support is part of safety.

Immediate Safety → Reaching Out → Support While Waiting → Officers On Scene → Aftercare & Resources → Ongoing Support