The entire #MiddletownRI Police Department recently underwent an intense training program to assist with mental health calls and emergencies. Just another way the MPD is working to be one of the best police forces in Rhode Island.
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CONTACT: Matt Sheley at (401) 842-6543 or msheley@middletownri.com
MENTAL HEALTH FOCUS BY MIDDLETOWN POLICE
MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (MAY 1, 2024) – Every officer with the Middletown Police Department was recently certified to respond to mental health calls through an intense training program.
Police Chief Anthony M. Pesare said he and the rest of the department were proud to complete the One Mind Campaign Pledge, which was offered by the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
Middletown Police were one of about 180 law enforcement departments across the country to achieve the certification, Pesare said.
With as many as seven or eight emergency calls out of 10 today in Middletown involving someone with a mental health or substance related issue, Pesare said the training was more important than ever.
“When I first started in law enforcement, the numbers we’re seeing today would have been unheard of,” Pesare said. “But like everything else, the world is changing and we have to adapt with it and I’m proud to know we’re giving our police officers the tools they need to do their job safely and effectively.”
As part of One Mind, each member of Middletown Police went through a demanding eight-hour program. Everyone successfully took a Mental Health First Aid class, which helps officer identify those experiencing mental health issues, how to provide immediate assistance and get the individual(s) the help they need.
The One Mind designation also means at least 20 percent of the department’s staff was certified in Crisis Intervention Training, also known as crisis response training. Pesare said all told, 12 members of the Middletown Police have completed that 40-hour program. Additionally, the Middletown Police have developed protocols for dealing with individuals in crisis.
“The One Mind Campaign seeks to ensure successful interactions between law enforcement and individuals with mental health conditions,” a One Mind press release read. “The initiative focuses on uniting local communities, law enforcement agencies, and mental health organizations so that the three become ‘of one mind.’”
Importantly, Pesare said Middletown Police have teamed with Newport Mental Health to provide even better service for those in need. Through that existing partnership, a clinician can accompany a Middletown Police Officer on calls to provide targeted assistance whenever necessary.
The Middletown Outreach Department also brings resources to the table, connecting those in need with an array of community service providers.
“We’re very, very proud of everything we can bring to each call,” Pesare said. “The safety of the individual, our officers and our providers is the No. 1 priority, but through these partnerships, we’re now able to provide so many more resources than ever before to get people the help they need.”
Pesare said that’s much different than when he began in law enforcement.
“When I first started, the only tool police officers had when dealing with a mental health crisis was to arrest the individual and put them in the criminal justice system,” Pesare said. “As we know now, this is not the place for individuals in crisis. The present approach is to get them the medical and psychological help they need and avoid the criminal justice system if at all possible.”
Asked for advice when people call Middletown Police with a mental health issue, Pesare had two important suggestions.
“The first is to please let the officers know if there are any weapons that the person may have access to,” Pesare said. “It’s also critical for every caller to know that their family member, friend or acquaintance will be treated with dignity and respect."
Pesare thanked the Town Council and Town Administrator Shawn J. Brown for their foresight and support for police officers in the mental health arena.
“After I approached Town Administrator Brown with the need for additional mental health training, it was clear he and the council supported this for our officers and our community,” Pesare said. “We all appreciate that support and making the One Mind Pledge helped accomplish that goal.”
Document Link: https://www.middletownri.com/DocumentCenter/View/12437/NYCU-One