Fifteen law enforcement and public safety professionals from across the Finger Lakes region graduated Friday from a specialized training program designed to help first responders safely manage mental health crises in the community.
The graduates completed the 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team program, which is taught by police officers and mental health professionals certified through the New York State Office of Mental Health. The training focuses on active listening, verbal de-escalation techniques, and strategies for interacting with people experiencing mental health emergencies.
Participants included officers from the Canandaigua Police Department, Ontario County Sheriff’s Office, Geneva Police Department, Newark Police Department, Finger Lakes Community College Campus Police, and Rochester Regional Health public safety officers.
The program combines classroom instruction with practical exercises led by mental health experts and individuals with lived experience. To graduate, participants must successfully complete live role-playing scenarios that test their ability to safely de-escalate crisis situations without incident.
Canandaigua police officials congratulated the graduates and thanked them for their commitment to improving public safety and supporting community members experiencing mental health challenges.
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