Mental health issues have become an overwhelming epidemic in Indiana. State Senator Randy Head said, “Our state is currently second in the nation for suicide attempts among high school students.”
The senator said, “It is imperative that we provide Hoosiers with the access to help and support they need.”
Senate Bill 380 would require the law enforcement training academy to include an overview of crisis intervention team (CIT) training as a part of their initial training program for officers.
In addition, the bill would require the Indiana technical assistance center for CIT to do the following: identify grants and other funds that can be used to fund CIT programs; create and support a statewide CIT advisory committee; and provide training, information and technical assistance.
Senator Head said, “CIT programs are designed to improve the way law enforcement and the general public respond to people suffering from mental health illnesses.”
This training will teach participants about various types of mental illness, how to de-escalate crisis situations and what resources are available to their community.
