First responders learn mental health response methods
A decade ago, not many law enforcement officers had training on how to best handle responses to mental or behavioral health calls.
Now, about 600 emergency response workers have gone through crisis intervention training in Butler County, which has been going on this week through the Center for Community Resources.
According to Marsha Wagner, therapist for the Center for Community Resources, 16 people are in the class this week, representing several emergency response departments, including Butler Bureau of Police, Butler County Sheriff’s Office, Slippery Rock police, Cranberry Township police, Jackson Township police, Butler probation, Slippery Rock University police and more.
“It’s for people who are first responders who may be called out on call for mental health or substance abuse, intellectual disability, autism — somebody having a mental health crisis,” Wagner said. “It’s teaching them skills that when they are out on a call, they may respond a little better with a little more understanding on what to do.”
This was the second time the class has been offered this year, but Butler County has had the program for more than 10 years now. The training is 40 hours long, and takes place throughout one week.
The training has attendees hear presentations from mental health professionals and staff members of organizations that provide resources for behavioral health, learn about what community resources serve what populations and go through role-playing exercises that test their knowledge.
Samantha Hite, crisis supervisor for the Center for Community Resources, said officers get some simulated experiences as well during the training.
“We did a piece on hearing voices, so they got to see what it was like to struggle for someone who has schizophrenia,” Hite said.
Harry Callithen, chief deputy of the Butler County Sheriff’s Office, said the training is a “jam-packed 40 hours of information.” He added that the atmosphere is changing regarding proper response to certain emergencies.
“Ten years ago, 15 years ago, you’re still dealing with the mental health issues, but I heard someone say it was more of a cuff ’em and stuff ’em era,” Callithen said. “They’re trying to get away from the era and say we’ve got resources that can help these people.”
Callithen also said the training is free, and departments receive a state stipend for each staff member they put through the training.
Mike Welenski, patrolman for the Cranberry Township Police Department, took the training in the past, and said it gives law enforcement officers methods of deescalation.
“It’s becoming more prevalent, but this goes beyond just training, as far as being able to acknowledge that someone is dealing with something,” Welenski said. “It’s actually honing those skills and allowing us more tools to be able to deal with it and help that person through that crisis.
“It’s crucial to officers that they are able to help those people deescalate.”
The training concludes today with some final role-playing exercises and a graduation ceremony, which Wagner said is normally attended by county and community officials. The participants also receive a pin they can wear as a badge that signifies they have gone through the training.
Callithen said the more officers completing the training, the better, because more emergency response calls may end with connecting a person to a resource they need rather than arresting them.
“Really focus on the communication skills,” Callithen said. “Voice tone, body posture, all of those things kind of have to come together to have a successful event.”
