14 members of law enforcement graduates from Crisis Response & Intervention Training

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — In a ceremony held today at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center, fourteen law enforcement officers graduated from Crisis Response & Intervention Training, completing 40 hours of instruction focused on responding to individuals experiencing mental health crises.

Participants represented the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, Adams County Sheriff’s Department, Yazoo Police Department, Fayette Police Department, Vicksburg-Warren School District Campus Police, Yazoo County Sheriff’s Department, and the Vicksburg Police Department.

The training, conducted by River Ridge Behavioral Health, included lectures, role-playing scenarios, and interactive sessions. On the third day, officers shared lunch with individuals diagnosed with mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

“That was probably the big turnaround,” said Jeanine Hanks, one of the training leaders. “Officers are seen as individuals, and those suffering from mental illness are also seen as individuals. That’s what makes this training so special.”

This was the first CIT training held in Vicksburg. Hanks, along with Emily Shiers and Alisha Creel, became certified CIT trainers after traveling to Kansas City. Linda Foley and Sam Riley also served as instructors.

“This is our inaugural class,” Hanks said. “We had speakers address a variety of topics, including how to respond to veterans in crisis and individuals with intellectual disabilities.”

CIT graduates:

• Deselle Davis
• Zebulun Drake
• Edward Ferrell
• Milton Goza
• Jarrett Hampton
• Garion King
• Rodney Lehman
• Ruthie McCoy
• LaShawn McMiller
• Nikosa Moore
• John Nix
• Robert Scott
• Terrell Walker
• Lee Chester Williams