UWPD is pleased to announce voluntary completion of a pledge taken to improve response to those suffering from mental illness in their community. Last year, partnering with the community and with the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), UWPD pledged to complete four promising practices.
- Establish a clearly defined and sustainable relationship with at least one community mental health organization.
- Develop and implement a written policy addressing law enforcement response to persons affected by mental illness.
- Demonstrate that 100 percent of sworn officers (and selected non-sworn staff, such as dispatchers) are trained and certified in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA).
- Demonstrate that 20 percent of sworn officers (and selected non-sworn staff, such as dispatchers) are trained and certified on the collaborative crisis response training.
Since taking the pledge UWPD officers have had numerous contacts with individuals suffering from mental illness and in most cases have been able to connect individuals with resources and avert further crisis. IACP President Cynthia Renaud, announcing UWPD’s achievement said, “As law enforcement leaders, we know that successful interactions between police officers and persons affected by mental illness improves public trust, ensures officer safety, and saves lives.”
Sergeant Kevin Jackson, a UW Alum, took the lead on many of the initiatives. He received the Certificate of Completion from current IACP President Renaud on May 3, 2021. More information about IACP’s One Mind Campaign is available at https://www.theiacp.org/projects/one-mind-campaign