Alocal law enforcement officer recently completed Crises Intervention Team (CIT) Training and joined the local CIT Coordinating Council. Nevada Police Officer Matthew Burkhead recently returned after completing an intensive week of CIT training, conducted at the Lee’s Summit, Missouri Police Department. The newly trained CIT Team member joins 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 mental illness, medication management and identification; de-escalation techniques; steps to prevent suicide; family and consumer panels; site visits; and cultural diversity.
Upon graduation, the officer was awarded a certificate of completion and a special uniform insignia which designates him as specially trained.
Police Chief Graham Burnley states, “Nevada Police Officer Matthew Burkhead joins a long list of professionals who bring a level of expertise in dealing with crises situations. The CIT Team continues to serve our community well.”
For more information about CIT, contact PO Patrick Deao at 417-448-2710.
