By Joanna Putman
Police1
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — A Colorado Springs police officer is being praised for his compassionate response after helping a distressed 9-year-old who had run away from home, KKTV reported.
Officer Craig Johnson, a father of five, was among the officers who responded to the call, learning that the child was in crisis and had thoughts of self-harm following a disturbance at home.
Upon finding the child sitting alone near a school, Johnson drew on his experience as a parent.
“I was just trying to think how I would want a police officer to interact with my kids,” Johnson said.
Initially, the child was hesitant to talk, but Johnson patiently connected with them, reassuring them that they weren’t in trouble and that he was there to help, according to the report. Over the course of 45 minutes, the two built a rapport, with the child eventually asking to play on the playground. Johnson agreed, making a pinkie promise with the child not to run away. They spent time together on the monkey bars.
“I’m proud of you that you’re acknowledging how you feel and you need help. This is how we get the help,” Johnson can be heard telling the child.
Behind the scenes, other officers coordinated with the child’s parents and arranged for mental health services, but Johnson remained the sole point of contact to avoid overwhelming the child, according to the report.
In the end, the child agreed to accompany Johnson to get help.
“These are the calls you walk away from with a smile.”
His empathetic approach was recognized as exemplary by his department, though Johnson humbly noted he was simply doing his job, according to the report.
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