Vanessa Gamboa

In my current role as a sworn law enforcement officer with nearly five years of service, I was selected to serve as the department’s first designated Crisis Intervention Officer in 2025, a pioneering position created to enhance our agency’s response to individuals experiencing mental health and behavioral crises. This selection reflects my proven ability to lead under pressure, communicate effectively in high-stress environments, and build strong partnerships within and outside the department. I work in close collaboration with a licensed mental health clinician from Emergence Health Network as part of a co-responder model, allowing us to jointly respond to calls involving individuals in acute psychological distress, suicidal ideation, or substance-induced crises.

To support this role, I completed FBI Crisis Negotiation Training, where I gained specialized skills in tactical communication, threat assessment, and de-escalation strategies tailored for high-stakes, emotionally volatile situations. I apply these skills regularly when leading responses to incidents such as armed barricades, suicidal subjects, and emotionally disturbed persons. I have successfully de-escalated numerous high-risk scenarios without the use of force, often serving as the lead negotiator on scene. In addition, I was invited alongside the Sheriff's Office Crisis Intervention Team, a recognition of my expertise and growing regional role in behavioral health crisis response. This opportunity has allowed me to expand my network across agencies and further align our department’s crisis protocols with regional best practices.

I also serve as a liaison between law enforcement, emergency medical services, and community-based behavioral health providers, ensuring individuals in crisis are not only stabilized but also connected to appropriate long-term resources. My efforts have contributed to a measurable reduction in repeat calls for service, increased diversion from incarceration to treatment, and strengthened community trust. I regularly participate in after-action reviews and assist with officer training related to de-escalation and mental health awareness, reinforcing a department-wide culture of compassion, safety, and professionalism in crisis response.