West TN Training Center hosts crisis intervention class

DENMARK, Tenn. — The West Tennessee Training Center is off to a good start as the Crisis Intervention Team provides essential knowledge that better prepares individuals for unprecedented circumstances.

The Crisis Intervention Team is all about distinguishing when mental health issues are present and how to take extra consideration by taking the appropriate measures when aiding or assessing any situation.

“We are having training that helps officers and helps first responders meet the people where they are in the situation that they’re in. We can effectively get them help and help them deescalate, and work through the situation,” said Tom Grant, CIT Coordinator.

Some illnesses can be hard to point out and this intervention helps make proactive approaches that benefit everyone’s safety.

“We find that a lot of persons now are being identified with different mental issues, or intellectual disabilities, or developmental issues. And so, I think the training is empowermental. We can identify what those issues are and know and have the ways and the means to address them,” said Alfreda Skinner, Principle Corrections Officer for Bahamas Immigration.

It’s imperative that all responders are aware of various inconsistencies or signs that could be pointing towards other health concerns.

“In the past we have experienced persons in who has certain disabilities. So now that I’m here I will be able to put my hands on it and teach others in solving this situation,” said Vonetta Darling, Chief Immigration Officer for Bahamas Immigration.

13 counties were represented in the classroom for this training that better prepares them for the future.

Law enforcement and first responders are not the only ones that can attend this training, it is also open to the public.

To register for a training session, click here.

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