In an effort to foster stronger connections between law enforcement and the community, the University of Michigan-Flint Department of Public Safety has partnered with Genesee Health System for specialized training in mental health de-escalation techniques. This innovative program provides her DPS officers with the skills and knowledge to effectively address complex social issues and increase their ability to engage with diverse communities.
Five DPS officers will be involved in this process: Alexis Fryerson, Mitch Ripp, Torrey Ruffin, Deon Smith, and James Wheeler, who will form a new unit within DPS known as the Crisis Intervention Team. .
“We recognize that our offices and police departments throughout Genesee County are frequently seeing the same people every day,” said Kylee Baker, supervisor of the Crisis Intervention Team at Genesee Health System. said. “Through the training that our office provides to local law enforcement agencies across the county, we equip them with the knowledge to respond to specific situations, so they can better address the needs of the people they serve and can improve the level of care that they receive.” It’s a level of understanding that they may not have had access to before. ”
Recognizing that the role of police officers within the campus community is constantly evolving, this program helps create a more compassionate and holistic approach to public safety. The collaborative efforts of DPS and GHS represent an important step forward in redefining traditional policing methods.
“Crisis intervention strategies not only prevent crime and make communities safer, they also provide a moral obligation to assist people in life-threatening situations,” said DPS Director Ray Hall. Ta. “As a progressive department committed to problem-oriented policing strategies, we recognize that we must be committed to supporting our communities and neighbors in crisis. The standard is not just to meet community expectations, but training staff in social work allows us to do that.”
The 40-hour training program developed by GHS includes a variety of topics to enhance police officers’ understanding of social dynamics and human behavior. This provides important tools for identifying underlying social issues, building trust, and communicating effectively with the individuals and communities you encounter on the job.
The curriculum incorporates hands-on exercises, case studies, and role-playing scenarios that simulate real-world encounters that police officers may face while on patrol. By immersing police officers in these simulated situations, the program aims to enhance their ability to de-escalate conflicts, de-escalate tense situations, and make appropriate interventions that prioritize the well-being and safety of the community. The purpose is
“When we launched this training initiative two years ago, I started riding around to as many police stations as I could. I can’t believe if I were in their shoes, I’d want to answer the calls I get. They would have been so worried.” Mental health training is not covered in the academy, so it’s not their fault in any way,” Baker said.
“What we do through this program is as much a service to our police officers as it is a service to our community members, increasing safety for both parties by quickly identifying mental health issues. , if we respond differently, we can do more.”
Smith, who joined DPS after 10 years with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, said the creation of the Crisis Intervention Team is a unique opportunity for UM-Flint police officers to become more involved with the people they serve. We feel we can provide them with a new and valuable tool. Use it when you encounter a crisis.
“Participating in this training and being a part of this team changes the way you approach your job,” Smith said. “My grandfather always said to me, “To be understood, try to understand.” For me, that means that as a law enforcement agent, you have to step back and look at the big picture and see what someone is showing you. This means we need to be aware of their symptoms, their behaviors, the way they speak and how they explain situations to us. Taking this approach helps us understand that the person we are interacting with has a mental health problem. You will be able to pinpoint if someone is experiencing a crisis. (Having attended this training) you will be able to approach them more proactively, show more humility to them, and understand that they are We will be able to meet at your location. I will be there.”
Baker and Smith said the training officers participated in led some of them on a journey of self-discovery.
“I’m not only a police officer, but I’m also a husband, father and son,” Smith said. “And there are so many factors involved in all of that. Sometimes it can feel like it can be too much and everything is becoming difficult. I say, “Okay, wait a minute.”
“And it’s not that you can’t figure things out, it’s that you’re human and you need some help, whether it’s finding a professional to talk to, bringing in religion, or just needing to deal with it. That’s it.”
Hall said the training program and subsequent formation of the intervention team represent a major step forward in DPS’ continued efforts to improve community policing. “Incorporating social work tactics will improve staff’s ability to address the root causes of social problems and work with community members to find long-term solutions,” he said.
“The University’s commitment to providing social work training to its staff demonstrates the University’s dedication to promoting dialogue, empathy, and understanding. Through this collaborative effort, our Faculty is building bridges in our communities. , we are taking further steps to address today’s complex challenges.”