PHARR, Texas — A nearly hourlong standoff on an Interstate 2 overpass Monday brought traffic to a halt and highlighted a seven-year effort by Pharr police to build relationships with residents before a mental health emergency occurs.
Patrol officers closed the highway while negotiators worked to bring a man who was threatening to jump to safety. Officer Jacklyn Rodriguez, who helped negotiate with him, said prior contact and trust can be decisive during a crisis.
Pharr created its Mental Health Unit seven years ago with one officer. The unit has grown to four officers, a supervisor and a full-time clinician who work with people experiencing mental health challenges.
The team’s work continues after emergency calls end. Officers make follow-up visits, learn what may trigger a resident, identify calming strategies and connect people with transportation, medication support and other community resources. Those visits often are made in unmarked vehicles to make the contact less intimidating.
Rodriguez said the unit now handles about two to four active crisis calls a month while conducting roughly 900 follow-up calls or visits. She said that continuing contact gives officers useful knowledge if another emergency develops.
The city also used the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System during Monday’s incident to tell motorists across the Rio Grande Valley to avoid Interstate 2. Emergency Management Coordinator and EMS Chief Daniel Ramirez said the alert was warranted because more than 140,000 vehicles travel the highway each day.
An all-clear message was sent about 15 minutes after the interstate reopened. Police said their follow-up work with residents continues after traffic and other immediate effects of an incident have ended.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call 911 when there is an immediate danger.
