TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – Members of law enforcement are learning more about ways to help people having a mental or behavioral crisis get treatment.
This week local law enforcement officers and public defenders are going through “crisis intervention team” training. It’s a chance to discuss mental and behavioral health crises in the community and how to respond.
The training involves role-playing activities to teach de-escalation skills.
“Really that’s what the CIT process is all about is how we can actually get people diverted to treatment and away from the criminal justice system if possible,” explained Jennifer Todd with the Vigo County Crisis Intervention Team committee.
A correctional officer who is taking part in the training says it’s been eye-opening to learn more about the resources available.
“When they come into our care and we come into contact with them, it’s nice to be able to know, one, how to treat them the way they deserve to be treated with the special needs that they need but also how to point them to the right resources to get the help,” commented correctional officer Matthew Gonzalez.
At the end of the training, participants will be designated as CIT-trained officers.
