Woman Rescued From Self-Harm In Hackensack Apartment: Police

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — A woman was safely removed from a Hackensack apartment last week after threatening self-harm, Hackensack police said last week.

Police said that Hackensack's Police Department and Emergency Service Unit headed to the apartments on Polifly Road last Sunday on a report of a woman threatening self-harm with a knife.

Police found a woman holding a "large" knife toward herself, they said.

"Through de-escalation techniques and decisive action, the officers were able to disarm the woman and safely remove the knife without injury to anyone on scene," police said in a release on Tuesday. "Their quick reaction during this stressful encounter brought about a safe conclusion to a potentially deadly situation. These officers exemplify the high standards that the residents of the city of Hackensack expect from their police force."

Police noted, "Situations like this can have dire consequences, and fortunately, the officers involved in this incident were able to create a safe and secure scene so the individual could receive the help she needed.

"Mental health awareness training has become a staple of the Hackensack Police Department’s training regimen and is relied upon constantly in the daily activities of our officers...Chief Zisa commends all officers on scene for their actions and for bringing this encounter to a peaceful resolution."

Anyone experiencing a crisis, or family members concerned about a loved one, can contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 for immediate assistance, police noted.

New Jersey also has mental health resources here and the Performcare line for children and teens, no matter what insurance they have.