Front line team expands skills to tackle mental health crises Cops in mind studies

MENTAL health issues can affect everyone but the men and women in blue protecting the community see more than their fair share in the line of duty.

Townsville Chief Superintendent Kev Guteridge said police often dealt with people in situations of crisis and were themselves susceptible to mental health problems.

A group of front line police has volunteered to undertake crisis intervention training as the force further strengthens its skill set in regard to mental health.

Chief Supt Guteridge said while all police undertook mandatory mental health training, the course 23 officers would undertake would provide them with increased knowledge and ability in dealing with people with mental health issues and understanding the importance of their own mental state.

“Mental health, particularly as a result of drug and substance abuse is continuing to present as a significant problem police face and a significant risk of safety to the community,” Chief Supt Guteridge said.

“We need to be tailoring our response to call for service and incidents in the best way possible.

“It is also imperative that we do look after our own people as well who are continually exposed to high risk situations.”

The training will see officers educated on various mental health issues including com- munication techniques for dealing with people suffering mental health problems and the role drugs and alcohol play in people’s mental wellbeing.

Constable Jordan Gage is one of the officers undertaking the course and he said it was a great opportunity for police to better equip themselves to deal with an ever- evolving issue.

“We are exposed to mental health in one way or another every shift that we work,” Constable Gage said.

“Our exposure to people is often at a point of crisis in someone’s life.

“( Mental health) is something that’s important for us to stay updated on as society changes and the sociological influences that affect the community change as well.

“It’s important for us to know how to respond to that, how to deal with that and how to communicate effectively.”

Chief Supt Guteridge said initiatives like the crisis intervention training were being regularly embraced by police and it was a timely reminder that anyone battling mental health issues should speak up and seek help.