TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — The Oklahoma Division of Mental Wellness and Substance Abuse Solutions celebrated a crucial milestone in May well, through National Mental Wellness Awareness Month.
The division has officially educated one more 1,000 law enforcement officers in crisis intervention coaching.
CIT started in Oklahoma in 2002 with 45 police officers, possessing educated more than two,700 individuals in CIT.
“Recognizing the tremendous need to have, our agency has expanded CIT coaching all through Oklahoma,” stated ODMHSAS Commissioner Carrie Slaton-Hodges. “We will continue to assistance our law enforcement partners and communities across Oklahoma.” This plan will assist de-escalate crisis conditions and advocate for at-danger populations.”
The coaching plan incorporates quite a few classes taught by a range of instructors, like a psychiatrist, substance abuse specialist, social workers, police officers, and representatives from the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
“Getting a CIT officer is far more than coaching. It is passion. Getting capable to see an individual go from crisis to recovery is the most rewarding encounter I’ve ever had.” – stated Sergeant Lori Osborne, Oklahoma City Police Division.
“The Crisis Intervention Group plan is a neighborhood work that brings police officers and the neighborhood collectively for the typical targets of security, understanding and service to individuals with mental illness and their households.” Officers participate in a five-day, 40-hour CIT coaching plan,” stated Commissioner Slaton-Hodges. “The expert provider neighborhood recognized the need to have and effectiveness of the CIT plan and partnered with law enforcement to offer the most successful coaching supplies feasible.”