Members of the El Paso County Sheriff's Office Patrol Division will be participating in Mental Health First Aid Training, which is being provided by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).  This training will take place on Wednesday, April 12, 2017, from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, at the Office of the Sheriff, located at 27 E. Vermijo Avenue.

Many of the individuals law enforcement encounter on a routine basis suffer from substance abuse and/or some form of mental illness.  It is crucial for law enforcement to have a foundation for how to recognize those suffering from mental illness, be trained in what signs to look for when dealing with this population of our community, as well as be given tools on how to de-escalate behavior and help them cope with the crisis they are facing.

We are excited about the partnership that has developed with NAMI.  Their generosity has allowed for this training to be provided free of charge and we are grateful for their willingness to invest in our community.

It is extremely critical we show our mental health community we are invested in them and in their future; this training allows us that opportunity.  The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office will be the first one of our size in the state to make the commitment to have all Patrol Deputies certified in Mental Health First Aid by June of 2017, and Detentions Deputies by 2018.

Media is welcome to attend.  Please contact Media Relations Manager, Jacqueline Kirby to arrange a time.