Crisis intervention training offered to law enforcement
Connections Work will host hands-on training this month to prepare Berks County law enforcement members to respond to situations in which people are experiencing a mental health crisis.
The cutting-edge crisis intervention team certification training is being offered for the first time in the county, officials said. There’s still time for law enforcement officers to sign up for the training, which will be held Jan. 22 to 26 at Alvernia University, officials said.
Mental illness is so pervasive that it’s imperative to train officers to recognize those in crisis to improve outcomes in their interactions with those suffering a mental health crisis, District Attorney John T. Adams said.
Through the program, officers will be given more tools to effectively deal with those in crisis.
Diverting people whose actions are solely driven by their mental Illness is the best outcome for the individual and the criminal justice system, Adams said.
The training is a collaboration
Mental illness is so pervasive that it’s imperative to train officers to recognize those in crisis to improve outcomes in their interactions with those suffering a mental health crisis, District Attorney John T. Adams said.
of Connections Work, the Berks County Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities Program and Alvernia University.
Connections Work, formerly Berks Connections/ Pretrial Services, is a nonprofit organization that provides services and support to individuals with justice system involvement and their families.
“We know our law enforcement partners are often the first responders to mental health emergencies and it is essential that we work in partnership with the knowledge and resources to provide responsive treatment alternatives,” said Pam Seaman, administrator of the Berks County MH/DD program. “CIT (crisis intervention team) model programs have been operating throughout the United States for many years. We are energized at the possibilities ahead of us with formally developing a program here in Berks County.”
Berks has been at the forefront of diversionary efforts.
Established in January 2011, the preliminary focus of its mental forensic diversion program was to support those living with mental health concerns while giving police officers resources to help those in need. As the program developed, it became clear that more diversionary efforts were needed during a police officer’s interaction with a person before their arrest, officials said.
Berks developed the nation’s blueprint for mental health forensics training, education, collaboration and communication with judiciary, criminal, justice, law enforcement and mental health stakeholders.
The team, led by Brandon Sands, has trained and supported various agencies across the state in developing diversion programs in their respective counties.
For more information about the training for law enforcement, contact Kristy Belschwinder at kbelschwinder@connectionswork.org or 484-2603860, extension 3044.