– Photo courtesy of FPD
Local officers joined together for a refresher course in crisis intervention for emotionally disturbed persons over the past few days.
Over 80 participants received the refresher course led by Sgt. Lance Dardeen, and one of the Frankfort Police Department officers reported that the training has been pivotal in calls involving emotionally disturbed persons, stating “CIT refresher paid off. It actually works.”
According to the Frankfort Police Department, the training provides a refresher for the officers to better respond in instances of a crisis, and the training was funded by the Clinton County Opioid Settlement Funding Committee for the local officers to attend.
“People experience multiple crises each day,” the department released. “While the training was mandatory for FPD officers, all first responders that work with us daily, were invited.”
The department released that the main goal of the officers when addressing a situation involving a person in crisis is to give hope to the individual, and in numerous circumstances, the officers on the scene may be the only people available to contact during critical situations.
The department released further information for acquiring help for community members in crisis, stating that anyone who is in contact with someone in crisis, whether themselves, family, friends or strangers, or experiencing suicidal thoughts are encouraged to contact 988.
The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for all community members and best practices for professionals in the United States.