The Jamestown Police Department announced yesterday that all of its officers assigned to general patrol duties have now completed Crisis Intervention Training.
This training program is a 40-hour course that teaches law enforcement officers verbal de-escalation skills, active listening, and officer safety. The course includes instruction on dealing with individuals with mental illness, intellectual or developmental disabilities, and substance abuse.
This program has been in use for law enforcement officers since 2001 and began in Louisville.
Jamestown Police Chief Jeff Kerns said in a press release the training is important because officers are often the first to respond in a crisis and these skills can help officers better assist a person in receiving the proper intervention while dealing with their crisis.
