Crisis intervention offered through JPD, other readily available resources

JACKSON, Tenn. — First responders are making sure that if you ever find yourself in a crisis, that they’re here to assist.

The Jackson Police Department has a crisis intervention team that’s committed to protecting the the safety and well-being of all citizens of the community. Authorities are instructed to ensure proper procedure is exercised in these circumstances.

“It’s a 40 hour class that all police officers at Jackson Police Department go through. It teaches recognition of people that are in crisis because of a mental illness or an intellectual or developmental disability. It teaches how to quickly recognize that,” said JPD Sgt. Tommy Ferguson.

According to a recent JPD Facebook post, authorities peacefully resolved an incident involving a veteran citizen in crisis. With the assistance of trained negotiators and personnel from a veterans crisis hotline, this soldier is now receiving the necessary care that ensures their well being.

“The goal is to keep people with mental illness or intellectual or developmental disabilities from being negatively impacted by the criminal justice systems,” said Sgt. Furguson.

Sgt. Ferguson tells us they answer multiple mental health calls a day, expecting at least one call every shift.

Here are the signs to look out for.

“A change in behavior and it’s always okay to ask them. It’s always okay to ask someone if they’re having a bad day, if they’re in crisis, if they’re overwhelmed — then to give them some space. There’s always the option of the ‘988’ suicide hotline,” said Sgt. Furguson.

By reaching out to the hotline you have good chance of be directed to someone locally that can send someone to further assist the circumstance.

“There’s not enough mental health providers to go around so we’re the first responders for people that are in crisis and we are accustomed to that and accustomed to getting people the help they need,” said Sgt. Furguson.

According to a statistic provided by Sgt. Furguson, every mental health professional in the state of Tennessee could have over 600 patients they’re responsible for. He reminds us it’s not against the law to have a bad day.

If you are experiencing a crisis or know of someone needing crisis assistance don’t hesitate to contact a crisis hotline or call 911 for assistance.

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