October
31 to November 4, 2016, the Twin Falls Police Department, Twin Falls County
Sheriff, and Region V Mental Health are sponsoring our annual Critical Incident
Task Force (CIT) Academy. The CIT Academy is a forty-hour training
opportunity for law enforcement to learn to recognize signs of psychiatric
distress, how to respond safely and quickly, and how to de-escalate a
crisis. Officers also learn to work in partnership with mental health
professionals and other community resources to provide a system of services
that is responsive to individuals with mental illness. The 2016 CIT
Academy welcomes back many local presenters as well as bringing in Ellis Amdur
and George Nickel. Amdur is a sought after, dynamic public speaker who
will be presenting “In the Eye of the Hurricane: Calming Individuals in Chaotic
States.” Nickel is a veteran of the U.S. Army and works closely with law
enforcement regarding PTSD issues after his own traumatic experience.
The
first CIT Team was established in 1988 in Memphis, Tennessee when Major Sam
Cochran partnered with local mental health colleagues after an officer involved
shooting of a mentally ill man. Major Cochran stated, “Advocates have
long asserted that law enforcement personnel often do not receive adequate
mental health training, resulting in ineffective and sometimes fatal encounters
or outcomes.” Since that time CIT has been adopted by multiple
departments across the United States and outside our own country.
CIT
of the Magic Valley held its first CIT Academy in 2010. As we continue to
grow, it is our hope that CIT will not only be a great asset for our officers,
but a resource for our community as well. Graduation for this academy is set
for Friday November 4, 2016, at 3:00 pm. For additional information on the CIT
Academy and to schedule any interviews, please contact Sergeant Dusty Solomon
at (208) 316-4255.