Mental Health Crisis Response: Essential Tools for Officers
Mental Health Crisis Response
The Muscogee Nation's Lighthorse Police Department is employing innovative measures to equip officers with essential skills for responding to mental health calls. Since the landmark McGirt v. Oklahoma decision in 2020, there has been a noticeable surge in mental health-related calls within the community.
Importance of Individualized Training
According to the Department of Oklahoma Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Oklahoma ranks fifth in the nation for rates of mental illness, highlighting the necessity for specialized training. Brent Colbert, a training officer with the Lighthorse Police, emphasizes that effective mental health crisis response relies on treating each case as unique. He notes, “We need to treat each case individually and ensure we’re not just blanket-covering it.”
Key Initiatives and Goals
- Focused Training: Enhancing officers’ skills to manage diverse mental health situations.
- Community Engagement: Building trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
- Increased Resources: Ensuring officers have tools and knowledge to address mental health issues effectively.
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