Officers Learn About Mental Health

May is Mental Health Awareness month. In an effort to better train police officers who deal with situations, individuals with mental health or substance abuse issues in a crisis, numerous agencies have sent their officers to attend the CIT training.

Law enforcement officers are usually the first line in dealing with these types of situations everyday. This training helps officers learn ways to deal with these individuals, learn what resources are available, and how to take care of themselves and each other.

This training is being offered by a collaboration of the Ozark Center, Joplin Police Department, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, and the Crisis Intervention Team Missouri Council.

There are 43 officers taking part in this local class, which is one of the largest classes they’ve ever had.