Cincinnati police officer is being praised for saving the life of a woman attempting to end her life
By: Cincinnati, OH - Cincinnati police released body camera video on Thursday showing Officer Newman, Officer Ramey, and others responding to a woman in crisis last November on the top of a parking garage.
"Hey, please don't jump; come here, please, come here. I'm going to help you," said Officer Newman.
Officer Newman is seen working quickly to keep the woman from going over the edge of the parking garage.
"Can I help you get over? Let me help you climb over," said Officer Newman.
Local psychologist Dr. Stuart Bassman said the officer, in his own way, addressed the three core elements of someone being suicidal.
"The hatefulness he addressed by saying, 'Let me give you a hug.' The hopelessness he addressed by saying, 'Let me be hopeful for the both of us.' And the third, the helplessness he addressed by saying, 'Let me be helpful to you,'" said Dr. Bassman.
Dr. Bassman watched the video with Local 12 on Thursday.
"I also like the way he says please. He's asking her permission, empowering her," said Dr. Bassman.
He said that Officer Newman was being kind, considerate, and opened his heart.
"Please look at me. I lost my daughter many years ago, and I wish she could be here. All right, I'm so sorry, but listen, there are angels looking over us," said Officer Newman.
Dr. Bassman pointed out the human connection he makes with the woman.
"Exactly, and that's exactly what you need," said Dr. Bassman.
Officer Newman is seen getting closer before the woman is heard yelling for help. Other officers jump in and help get the woman from over the railing and back to safety.