GATLINBURG, Tenn.—Gatlinburg Police Department officers Jacob King, Timothy Doneski, and Quayvaughn McCollum attended and completed a Crisis Intervention Training class last week, held in conjunction with other Sevier County Law Enforcement Agencies.
The 40-hour training class trains officers on responding to mental health crisis events, including what resources are available to assist those in need. Classroom exercises also focus on techniques to de-escalate situations involving mental health issues.
“By attending this class, our Officers have learned skills and techniques to better respond to incidents that involve mental health issues,” Gatlinburg Police Chief Ronnie Barrett said. “This training can help the officers understand and assist individuals suffering from mental health issues.”
Last week’s training class was coordinated by the Sevier County Crisis Intervention Training team, which is comprised of the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, the Sevierville Police Department, the Pigeon Forge Police Department, Sevier County Probation and the National Alliance on Mental Health.
The recent completion of this training brings the total number of Gatlinburg officers who have completed Crisis Intervention Training to 22 uniformed officers and two dispatchers.
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