Emily Kunde, LPC Behavioral Health Manager of The Production Farm help NAMI and Manitowoc County Law Enforcement Complete CIT Training

Today I was invited to the first Manitowoc County CIT training where I acted in my role as a mental health professional to observe and assist in debriefing with law enforcement staff as they completed a series of role playing exercises Being the first time this training was held in Manitowoc County, I wasn’t sure what to expect in both my role and that of the law enforcement engaged in training. What I found was a group of dedicated individuals that took this training opportunity seriously and sought to really support our community members with diverse mental health needs. I was asked to support and provide feedback on a scenario centered around a report made that there was a gentleman that was pacing on a bridge. Officers we essentially sent in with no further information and were asked to utilize a trauma informed and person centered approach to talk this man off the bridge. Every set of officers were successful in this endeavor and were able to avoid escalating or triggering the person on the bridge. When the scene completed the CIT trained officer talked through what occurred in the scenario, what they felt went well, and areas they felt they could have handled things differently. The CIT officer, myself, and the individual playing the suicidal individual all talked about what we saw, as well as, alternative opportunities and possibilities. It is certain that every scenario a law enforcement professional encounters is going to be unique and one role play could not offer a full blue print for all future encounters, but understanding the tenets behind taking a very person centered, trauma informed approach to working with the citizens of our community is one of the key components to positive police interactions and NAMI and Manitowoc County Law Enforcement are on the absolute right track. I feel honored to have been asked to support these hard working groups as they increase their knowledge and understanding of working with individuals in crisis.

Emily Kunde, LPC
Behavioral Health Manager
The Production Farm