Connecticut Alliance To Benefit Law Enforcement

A bridge for collaboration between police and the communities they serve.

First Connecticut Crisis Intervention Team Training

The first Crisis Intervention Team Training co-sponsored by the Connecticut Criminal Law Foundation and CABLE was held May 19-23, 2003. Twenty-six police officers representing thirteen Connecticut Police Departments attended the 40 hour training at the new training facility located at the Farmington Police Department.

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The training was led by Captain Kenneth Edwards, Jr. who implemented the Crisis Intervention Team model in the New London Police Department two years ago.

Officers were exposed to the workings of the mental health system and case law pertaining to mental illness and police encounters. They learned about various forms of mental illness and were given skills in the use of proper techniques to de-escalate crisis situations. Suicide assessments, suicide by cop and post-shooting trauma were also discussed. Police officers met with representatives of the Connecticut Chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) including consumers and family members of those with mental illness. A segment on less lethal weapons was also included.

One of the more eye-opening events of the training was a segment performed by the Second Step Players, an acting troop dedicated to the education of the public about living with mental illness. Officers participated in a simulation called “Hearing Voices.” Through the use of headphones and taped “voices” the officers were able to get an in-depth understanding of the everyday difficulties encountered by those who hear voices which can be a symptom of schizophrenia. “It was very disconcerting and distracting trying to function on a personal level during the simulation and I’ve gained valuable insight,” said Sgt. Steve Smith of the Groton Town PD.