Palos Park Police Will Get Training In 'Mental Health First Aid'

PALOS PARK, IL -- Palos Park police officers will be trained in safely interacting with people experiencing a mental health or addiction related crisis. The training is being made possible through a grant by the Palos Park Police Foundation. All of Palos Park’s sworn officers will receive the training.

“Mental Health First Aid” teaches officers how to safely de-escalate a mental health crisis, recognize signs of a mental health challenges and who to call for support.

“A 911 call dealing with a mental health issue can have results leaving both the officer and our community members vulnerable to tragedy,” Mayor John Mahoney said. “And as a community we must ensure people with mental illness get the treatment and support they need.”

Palos Park Police Commission Dan Polk, who is also a physician, said “equipping our officers with the tools to properly recognize mental health challenges while serving our community and each other gets to the heart of what we do, serve a greater good.”

By early 2018, the Palos Park Police Department hopes to have 100 percent of its sworn officers trained in recognizing signs of potential mental health and addiction related crises. The program will introduce participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health concerns and help an officer on a call to assess a mental health crisis and provide initial help and supports resources.