More local officers trained in crisis intervention

Area law enforcement officers took part in training last week on crisis intervention techniques.

According to the Columbus Police Department, 15 officers took part in the training including those from the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, Columbus Regional Health police and the city department.

The 40-hour course focused on steps that officers can take to limit use of force incidents through de-escalation techniques as well as to reduce the number of people entering the criminal justice system who are experiencing mental health problems.

Since Columbus police started the crisis intervention team in 2021, 35 officers in the department have taken part, including nine last week.

Photo: November 2023 CPD Crisis Intervention Team training class. Photo courtesy of Columbus Police Department.