I felt bad lying but they were going to insist on coming in if I didn't. And being as I live on my own, to be honest I was really not up to two young and intimidating police officers coming into my "space space"! Did you give them your sodium nitrite?
I made it clear to them that I had bought it for future use. Most especially if I came down with a debilitating illness. I've worked briefly inside care homes. There's no way I want to end up like that. They seemed to understand that. I was lucky really that they were reasonable. Concerned of course, but reasonable.
You probably won't believe this but, they asked to see it. I hesitated but eventually agreed if they promised to hand it back. They did, so, I did. And yes, they handed it back. They made every attempt to persuade me to let them take it. I was polite but firm that I wanted to keep it.
They wanted me to fill out some questionnaire. I could see that opening a whole can of 'mental illness' worms so, I said I'd prefer not to fill in the form. I agreed to be put in touch with a 'helpline' though. I thought that would be enough to make it someone else's problem so they would leave- and they did.
To be fair, they were nice though. One was especially kind. The other was more about following procedure and ticking boxes. In part, it was luck I think- in who I got. I was also reasonable and polite with them though. At the end of the day, they were doing their job but, I wasn't doing anything illegal. Plus, I wasn't in immediate risk- which is presumably all they need to establish. Funny really when you think about it. You can kill yourself in future, just don't do it now on our watch. Lol.
I also have to add though that, apart from a short course of Fluoexetine years ago, I have no records of mental illness. No previous attempts. So- I wasn't on their radar to begin with. Someone with more of a history would likely be considered higher risk. I was also busy working on something. The place was such an embarassing mess. That seemed to reassure them too. That someone busy with work wouldn't kill themselves!
I find it odd really- what a narrow perspective people seem to have on how a suicidal person should act. I think another member here was saying they live in a very nice house. So- they were like- I have all this. Why would I want to kill myself when I have all this? And, they seemed to buy that too. Weird really- people who are surely more used to coming across suicidal people (maybe more when they're already dead though) having such a narrow perspective on how a genuinely suicidal person should present.
It was the same with the 'helpline' which was ironically- a far worse experience! The first lady I spoke to was nice but said 'Shouldn't we talk about these intrusive thoughts you're having?' I thought- Why assume they are intrusive? I managed to get rid of the helpline people eventually also but, they weren't as pleasant- weirdly enough.
I really hope you hear no more. I agree though. It's massively unsettling. I was actually more concerned about the 'helpline' continuing to call back. They were pretty unpleasant. I felt sick with nerves for a few days. Ironic when they're supposed to 'help'. They were more like bullies.
There are two potential agencies who could be involved in your visit, both Police. I'll take it you're in England or Wales, the Scottish system will be generally similar, however with Scots services.
The first would be the local regional Force, who are mainly doing a welfare check to cover their backs because Customs or the Home Office have notified them of the import of a package of a suspect package from a known or suspected SN source.
The other, I suspect more likely group, would be the National Crime Agency, whom I suspect are building a case against DMC for his supply of SN. This being covered by the Poisons Act and a Licence being required in the UK to sell it. Whilst DMC is not in the UK there may well be reciprocal agreements between the UK and European countries, particularly in view of the close working of Interpol between the various countries.
The cover reason for the UK's concern could well be that there may be an anti terrorism aspect to individuals in this country importing poisonous substances.
With the IC checks years ago, some members (including me) got an initial check with uniformed officers. That was later followed by a phone call by a detective. I guess they were from the National Crime Agency.
I was lucky in that- all were nice and reasonable. The detective also wanted to come round but we had a lengthy conversation in which I told them there was likely no point in adding my purchase to the case file. Seeing as I hadn't discussed suicide with Kenneth Law. I simply purchased a product used for meat curing! You wouldn't prosecute a hardware store for selling rope- unless they'd been kind enough to tie a noose in it.
I kind of doubt the OP will hear more, seeing as they gave them nothing to go on. I think other people have managed to shake them off by denying all knowledge. I had this big (stupid) idea that I wasn't going to lie seeing as I didn't feel I was doing anything wrong. It paid off eventually I suppose although, it was far more complicated. It got to one point where I actually said- I should have just lied to you.
