The University of North Georgia Police Department has completed the One Mind Campaign Pledge to expand its officers' knowledge of mental health while in the field.
Departments are required to have 100% of their officers complete an 8-hour mental health first aid course as part of the pledge. 20% of a department's officers must also receive a 40-hour crisis intervention team training.
UNG Chief of Police Greg Williams said his goal is to have 100% of his officers complete the CIT training as well.
"They learn about mental health conditions, the different types, the best approaches, and they do a lot of role-playing," Williams said. "They actually visit a provider in the community to see these things in action."
Williams said those employed at UNG's call dispatching centers were also asked to attend CIT for public safety communications officers.
UNG Police took the pledge intending to help those suffering from a mental health crisis during a time of need. Williams said their main focus is on student success, and mental health support plays a major role in that focus.
"We're committed to that, and part of that commitment is trying to make sure that we have successful interactions between law enforcement and individuals with mental health conditions," Williams said.
The department first took up the pledge in May 2021. Williams said they have already experienced situations where the training has been useful.
"This training has helped our officers realize that sometimes they know they're responding to a mental health crisis," Williams said. "It helps our officers to be better listeners, and to try to process and understand what's happening."
