Law enforcement completes training on mental health crisis intervention

A small group of Bartholomew County deputies and Columbus police officers recently completed a course in resolving situations involving people having a mental health crisis.

Five officers completed training as a Crisis Intervention Team last week in Boone County. The officers received specialized training to help those with mental disorders or addictions access medical treatment rather than placing them in the criminal justice system due to illness related behaviors. Organizers for the training say it also promotes officer safety and the safety of the individual in crisis.

Chief Deputy Major Chris Lane said the training gives law enforcement tools to do their job safely and effectively. He said the training has also shown to improve officers’ attitudes and knowledge about mental illness.

The agencies are coordinating to host a local Crisis Intervention Team training in the future to expand the number of trained law enforcement officers serving the Bartholomew County area.

Photo: Local law enforcement officers recently completed Crisis Intervention Training including CPD Officer Cody Wooten, CPD Sgt. Alyson Eichel, BCSO Sgt. Andrew Whipker, CPD Chaplain John Bundick, and BCSO Detective Dane Duke. Photo courtesy of Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department.