Sachs Harbour (Feb 27/06) - Police flew into Sachs Harbour earlier this month after a call was placed to the Alison McAteer House crisis line.

RCMP officers say a firearm was discharged, and a young woman, who Inuvik staff sergeant Sid Gray described as being a potential danger to herself and to others, met police at the medical clinic in Sachs Harbour. An officer escorted the woman to Inuvik

There was no stand-off, Gray said.

"The fact the agency was able to get the message through to us quickly as possible really helped. If they weren't as quick to respond, the situation could have worsened," said Gray

"The crisis line was right on top of things. The woman was brought under the mental health act to Inuvik to see a specialist," Gray said.

Police chartered a flight to Sachs Harbour after a counsellor with the crisis line contacted them on Feb. 14.

"We chartered a flight for 5:30 p.m. and the officers arrived in Sachs Harbour around 7:30 p.m. that evening," Gray said.

Two officers stayed in Sachs Harbour to finish investigating the incident.

Sachs Harbour mayor Andy Carpenter says he's never given up on seeing an officer in the community.

"Something like this could strengthen any argument for an RCMP officer to be in Sachs Harbour," Carpenter said.

"But the RCMP responded pretty quick this time. As soon as they heard they came over."

The mayor says there would be a lot fewer incidences if there was an officer in the community.

Lyda Fuller, director of the Alison McAteer House in Yellowknife, is happy the crisis line could help diffuse the situation.

"Keeping women safe is our number one priority," said Fuller.

"In our effort to do so, our counsellors will phone the RCMP in emergency situations."

Fuller adds the crisis line receives on average 400 calls a year.