Sheridan PD receive mental health training

In most instances, Sheridan Police Department officers are the first on the scene during times of mental health crisis. On Jan. 20, officers of the Sheridan PD received training in techniques to deescalate those situations. 

Police officers are not mental health experts. The officers are trained to protect human life and enforce the laws of the community. In some situations the life they are working to protect may be experiencing a crisis.

While appearing on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse, SPD Lieutenant Tom Ringley informed listeners the training teaches both officers and dispatchers techniques to identify individuals suffering from a mental health crisis and possible substance use disorders.   

According to Ringley, the SPD has strong partnerships with mental health providers within the community to help officers in taking the correct action while dealing with someone in crisis. 

These organizations include the Sheridan VA Medical Center and Northern Wyoming Mental Health.