Two local law enforcement officers have recently completed Crises Intervention Training and joined the local CIT Coordinating Council. Nevada Police Officer Justin Varner and Vernon County Sheriff's Deputy Nick Norval recently returned after completing an intensive week of CIT training, conducted at the Lee Summit, Missouri Police Department.
These newly trained CIT Team members join other Nevada Police Officers and Vernon County Deputies who serve along with the CIT Coordinating Council. The Council consists of several community partners working in the mental health career field, consumers and their families. The focus of the group is to serve the needs of the entire area in a more efficient manner, while offering guidance to Local Law Enforcement.
The CIT Course is forty hours of training and includes instruction in the following topics: overview of metal illness, medication management and identification; de-escalation techniques; steps to prevent suicide; family and consumer panels; site visits; and cultural diversity.
Upon graduation, the officers are awarded a certificate of completion and a special uniform insignia which designates them as specially trained.
Police Chief Graham Burnley states, "The CIT Team continues to serve our community with a professional response to a mental health crisis. I'm proud of these officers taking on more responsibility and helping in a positive fashion."
