This week in Corvallis, several medical, law enforcement and mental health organizations are gathered for crisis intervention training. As KLCC’s Brian Bull reports, coordinators say it’s the first such event in Benton County.
Sixteen students from several area police departments, as well as the Oregon State Police, are taking the 40-hour course. The goal is to give law enforcement officers the skills to recognize – and diffuse – situations involving people suffering from mental and emotional issues.
Daniel Duncan is a lieutenant with the Corvallis Police Department.
“Any time you can better understand the community members that we’re dealing with, and what issues they may be facing or dealing with, and how can we support them in a way, to get the resources they need, that’s what we’re looking to accomplish.”
The CIT training is funded by a $90,000 grant from the Oregon Health Authority, as part of its jail diversion program.
Copyright 2017, KLCC.
