In my previous post for CCW Safe, their Critical Response Team (CRT) Lead, Cris Cunningham, was interviewed. She holds an impressive resume with 31 years experience at the Oklahoma City Police Department, working in various departments: patrol, IMPACT, child pornography/Internet crimes against children and as a homicide detective. In this post, I ask Cris more specific questions about what happens when a member experiences a self defense incident, and requires in-person representation from CCW Safe via a CRT response.
Since Cris came onboard at CCW Safe in 2023, she has worked several cases, all of which are currently ongoing. Because all of these cases are in progress, she doesn’t feel comfortable speaking about the specifics of each incident, as “member privacy is very important to (her).” That is very much appreciated. What Cris offers in this interview: she shapes the picture for us of the CCW Safe CRT response after a member’s self defense incident. This response is still impressive, even in general terms.
1 – How long after an incident do you arrive at the member’s location?
My arrival on scene is related to the status of the member after the incident. If a member is in custody or arrested, without the option of bail, then I am not necessarily needed on site.
I have responded, with a check, to post the bond for a member. I was then able to meet the member when they were released from jail.
In the instances where the member is not in custody I will arrive as quickly as possible. I have been on site within 24 – 48 hours. The only realistic delay occurs with the travel options to get to the location. During a recent response I was able to meet with the member within 24 hours due to already being in state on an unrelated response.
2 – Walk us through what goes through your mind when you receive the call out.
When the calls come from our emergency line I am immediately notified of the location where the incident occurred. While waiting for additional information and the determination if my response is needed, I begin searching for flights and hotels in the area.
I book my own travel, hotel and rental vehicle so I am searching those options while I wait for additional information. Once I am dispatched and have more information about the incident I will begin to make a game plan for how I can best help the member.
3 – What is your first task when you arrive on site?
Since every situation is different my actions vary. I will make contact with the member and let them know I am available to assist. Through those conversations I am able to determine how best to assist.
4 – What does being there in person afford you these situations?
Being face to face with the involved member, you can observe them and assess what they need. I can help them specifically with finding a hotel, obtaining personal items … sometimes this is as simple as taking them shopping or retrieving the items from their home.
Many times being on site allows the member to relax and let someone else make decisions. I can take care of getting them dinner and running errands. My role is to provide them support during this time. Often the mental stress of the incident can cause them to struggle with small daily decisions. I am there to help guide them and let them decompress.
5. Do you have any cases that have been resolved? Or, are they all ongoing?
All of the cases I have responded to are still ongoing. Unfortunately one of the conversations I have to have with the involved member is the lengthy process related to these incidents. It is a difficult time as they have no control and can feel further victimized by the stress of the judicial process.
6. During your time as the Critical Response Team Lead with CCW Safe, what services have members utilized?
During my responses I have hand carried a check for the bond of a member in custody. I have arranged for crime scene cleanup when the incident occurred in the member(s) home. I have also arranged counseling for members who have requested it.
I have provided meals, arranged hotel rooms and retrieved personal belongings from residences for the member. I can assist with daily errands and other actions, based on the individual needs that I assess while I am with the member.
Since each incident is different, the services I provide are based on the needs of the involved member. CCW Safe assists their members in all aspects of the aftermath; I have the liberty to freely help where I see a need while with the member. On some occasions I will contact Kent Brown, CCW Safe President, for approval of services.
CRT Lead Cris Cunningham paints a picture of a company that allows human responses to members in the most difficult situation: a self defense incident. Having a CRT member boots on the ground is vital; this ensures that members are covered in the aftermath of a traumatic, personal defense situation. CCW Safe promises care and personal attention with each membership, and this is a big way that they deliver on that promise.
Jackie Baird Richardson is an interior designer, editor at The WON and avid junker. Watch for her design tips and occasional crafting ideas, bringing the outdoors indoors. View all posts by Jackie Richardson
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