FPD to participate in crisis training
By London Bishop - lbishop@aimmediamidwest.com
FAIRBORN — The Fairborn Police Department is among 11 Ohio agencies sending representatives to Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training, hosted by the Mental Health Recovery Board of Clark, Greene & Madison Counties (MHRB).
Held Jan. 25-29, the five-day, 40-hour intensive training is internationally recognized as a best practice for law enforcement and first responders for crisis situations involving individuals with mental illness.
While this training is typically held in person, this year’s training will be held online due to safety concerns during the pandemic.
“Law enforcement are first responders to all kinds of crises. They are first on the scene and have to ascertain very quickly whether someone is a danger to themselves or others under pressure. When someone is in the middle of a mental health crisis, they may be out of touch with reality and unable to respond to police commands, which could lead to tragedy,” said Dr. Greta Mayer, CEO of MHRB. “This training is designed to help our law enforcement officers recognize when a call they’re responding to involves someone experiencing a mental health crisis and show how they can de-escalate the situation to keep everyone safe.”