Recently, a concerned citizen asked, "How much training do officers receive in dealing with people who have exceptional needs or mental disabilities?" I found this to be a great question and a perfect opportunity to share with you a little insight into some of the training officers receive.
Everyday, officers are faced with many challenging situations while on patrol. With the numerous radio calls officers respond to and the many traffic stops they conduct, it is almost impossible to know just what to expect during each encounter. Sometimes, these encounters involve people who have a possible mental illness.
The San Diego Police Department has recognized these issues and has provided our officers various types of training as it relates to mental illness and disabilities. Additionally, training in the use of non-lethal force options and weapons has been enhanced to ensure safer resolutions to violent confrontations.
Initially, our officers receive a significant amount of training while in the police academy. The training consists of both classroom and scenario based instruction to assist officers in recognizing symptoms of mental illness.
After graduating the academy, officers receive ongoing refresher training through their respective agencies. In addition to the ongoing training, some officers who are specially selected receive enhanced training to become part of a specialized team known as Psychiatric Emergency Response Team, also known as PERT.
The PERT teams consist of specially trained police officers who are partnered with mental health professionals. They respond to radio calls involving people with possible mental illness. Together they can resolve problems and provide people in need of psychiatric or medical assistance with useful information and additional resources that may be available and are most appropriate for the individuals in need.
The PERT training consists of an initial introductory four hour training session. Soon after, they complete a 40-hour block of specialized training. The training includes on-scene assessment, emergency response, mental illness, tutorials from community-based organizations, information on programs and services available throughout San Diego and other topics related to mental health, substance abuse, homelessness and crisis response.
As you can see, our officers receive a significant amount of training in these important areas. The hope is that we can not only enforce the laws and maintain peace and order, but to ensure that we are providing you with the highest level of service possible.
To access a PERT Team, community members should contact their local law enforcement agency or for Emergencies only, contact 911.
