KXLY
July 21, 2021 7:06 PM
Updated:
SPOKANE, Wash. — Sweeping police reform is going into effect on Sunday. Many common policing practices are going away including chokeholds, neck restraints and “no knock” warrants. With these changes comes more emphasis on crisis prevention.
“It develops officers skills to identify people with behavioral health issues,” said Jay Kernkamp, a sergeant with the Spokane Police Department.
Training is going on all week at the Police Academy. Officers learn by role playing in crisis situations including manic episodes and suicidal situations. Police work to calm down the people, let them know they care and offer safe resources for those in distress.