Law enforcement officers in Kentucky are increasingly participating in crisis intervention training, aimed at better equipping them to handle encounters with individuals experiencing mental health crises. Recently, a cohort of 33 officers, primarily younger recruits, received specialized instruction from RiverValley Behavioral Health, in collaboration with the Kentucky Crisis Intervention Team.
This training, which focuses on recognizing signs of mental health disorders and substance abuse, is designed to de-escalate potentially volatile situations. Many officers noted that early intervention can lead to better outcomes for individuals in crisis, often preventing unnecessary incarceration. According to Krisi Baugh, a director of the Kentucky CIT program, the training is voluntary, yet the participation of younger officers is particularly encouraging. “Of the 33 officers in the class at RiverValley, there are only three officers who have worked over five years,” Baugh stated. “We love that officers are getting this training earlier in their careers.”
Enhancing Skills for Safer Interactions
The curriculum covers crucial topics such as post-traumatic stress disorder, personality disorders, and strategies for managing interactions with elderly individuals. The primary goal is to enable officers to assist those in distress by encouraging them to seek mental health assessments or treatment, rather than resorting to arrest. “More than anything, it’s about identifying someone who is having a mental health crisis,” emphasized Heather Henderson, senior director of crisis services at RiverValley. “That’s step one, having an awareness.”
By fostering an environment where officers can guide individuals to appropriate care, the program aims to enhance the safety of both the officer and the person in crisis. “Everybody wins if we can get somebody into treatment,” Henderson added. Baugh further explained that officers are also trained in the processes for involuntary commitments when necessary, ensuring they can act swiftly if a person poses a danger to themselves or others.
Collaboration with Behavioral Health Providers
A significant aspect of the training involves collaboration with regional behavioral health providers. RiverValley has established a mobile response team that accompanies officers to calls involving mental health crises. This team, launched in 2020, has seen a dramatic increase in activity, responding to approximately 170 to 180 calls each month, up from just 20 monthly at its inception. “We rely on them when we find ourselves in situations that are potentially unsafe for team members,” Henderson noted.
As more law enforcement agencies recognize the need for crisis intervention training, Baugh observed a growing interest among officers. “They are learning a lot about mental disorders and how to better interact and communicate with someone in crisis,” she explained. The emphasis on officer safety remains paramount, as Baugh reiterated, “We don’t want them to talk to someone in an unsafe situation. But as long as they are safe, we want them to take the time to de-escalate the situation and get the person help.”
The shift towards prioritizing mental health in law enforcement responses represents a significant step forward in addressing community needs. With younger officers leading the way, the hope is that these skills will become standard practice, ultimately benefiting both officers and the individuals they serve.