What happens when a police officer is called to respond to a call that involves a mental health crisis? On Friday, March 22, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. Officer Joseph Carlson, Palos Heights Police Department and Sergeant Troy Siewart, Orland Park Police Department will provide perspective on the challenges face at the time. Learn why some things may or may not occur when police officers interact with individuals who are experiencing mental health challenges.
The free seminar will be held Christ Lutheran Church of Orland Park, 14700 94th Ave.
Officer Carlson has been with the City of Palos Heights for 12 years and worked for two other agencies prior to Palos Heights. He is a Field Training Officer and a patrol supervisor with specialty training in other enforcement areas.
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Sergeant Siewert has been with the Orland Park Police Department for 27 years and holds a master’s degree in criminal social justice from Lewis University. He is a certified CIT coordinator, CIT officer, crisis negotiator and Mental Health First Aid instructor as well as a CIT role play evaluator for the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. Sgt. Siewert started the OPPD Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) in 2015 and has developed the program into what is now recognized as a standard for best practice. He has been a guest speaker at multiple conferences and various local professional groups promoting CIT and the One Mind Campaign. Sgt. Siewert recently worked on a committee to update the International Chiefs of Police model policy for Responding to Persons Affected by Mental Illness or in Crisis.
