The Middletown Police Department continues to train its officers to properly respond to mental health calls. Officers are currently completing an intensive training program to assist with these types of calls.
The training was part of the One Mind Campaign Pledge offered by the International Association of Chiefs of Police. This is a national program that seeks to bring together law enforcement, mental health agencies, and communities. The goal is to help police officers better identify people with mental health issues and provide them with the help they need.
The program included an eight-hour training program that taught police officers how to safely and effectively provide mental health first aid. It also highlighted crisis intervention training that teaches police officers how to best respond to mental health crisis situations.
Middletown Police Chief Anthony Pesale said the department is proud of the work its officers have done to fulfill the One Mind Campaign pledge. This is an important step in continuing to improve the quality of service that police provide to communities.
Through this training program, 12 police officers completed a 40-hour training program in crisis response. This training and the support of Newport Mental Health Services will enable officers to provide targeted support when needed.
The Middletown Police Department is committed to providing excellent service to all members of our community. The One Mind Campaign Pledge and associated training programs are part of that effort. Police officers are now better equipped to respond to these types of calls and better support people with mental health issues.
Click here for more information from the City of Middletown.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted What’sUpNewp journalists with reporting included in this article.
