Police, sheriff officers get Crises Intervention training

Nevada Daily Mail

Two local law enforcement officers have recently completed Crises Intervention Team Training and joined the local CIT Coordinating Council. Nevada Police Sergeant Jeff Baker and Vernon County Sheriff's Deputy Greg Prough recently returned after completing an intensive week of CIT training, conducted at the Lee Summit, Mo., Police Department.

These newly trained CIT Team members join other Nevada Police Officers and Vernon County Deputies who serve along with the CIT Coordinating Council. The Council consists of several community partners working in the mental health career field, consumers and their families.

The focus of the group is to serve the needs of the entire area in a more efficient manner, while offering guidance to local law enforcement.

The CIT Course is 40 hours of training and includes instruction in the following topics: overview of mental illness; medication management and identification; de-escalation techniques; steps to prevent suicide; family and consumer panels; site visits; and cultural diversity.

Upon graduation, the officers are awarded a certificate of completion and a special uniform insignia, which designates them as specially trained.

"I'm proud of these officers taking on more responsibility," said Police Chief Graham Burnley. "CIT has led to great success and has improved the police response in a consumer crises situation."

For more information about CIT, contact Police Officer Patrick Deao at 417-448-2710.