COLUMBUS, Ind. – The Columbus Police Department (CPD) last week hosted Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) for 17 law enforcement officers, 10 of whom were from CPD. It focused on officer contact with persons who have mental health and/or substance abuse challenges.
Officers were put in hypothetical situations to help them understand how to better approach someone in that circumstance. Local organizations that provide assistance to those who are struggling will also be working with the police. The goal is to help people get the care they need, rather than just simply placing people under arrest.
The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office, Columbus Police Department, Hope Police Department, and Columbus Regional Health Police Department all participated in the 40-hour class.
“There are more options than jailing someone,” said Sgt. Alyson Eichel. “Talking with and treating people like they are human bridges the gap of the stereotype that all we do is send them to jail.”