Wakefield Police Trained In Mental Health First Aid

This was part of a release from the Wakefield Police Department focusing on a mental health first aid program:

During the month of February we were able to train all of our officers in “Mental Health First Aid,” which is part of the IACP’s “One Mind Campaign” to help further mental health training for law enforcement. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an 8-hour course that gives officers the skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The evidence behind the program demonstrates that it does build mental health literacy, helping to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness. As we have seen time and time again, many of our nation’s active shooter tragedies often have some ties to a mental health condition. Whether it be a large scale event or just a call for a minor disturbance, having this background will provide additional “tools in the tool box” for our officers to help de-escalate situations and best serve all members of our community.

We are pleased to announce that will be expanding its services to victims of intimate partner and family violence. Through a grant from the Violence Against Women Act, Victoria Helberg, a High Risk Program Specialist from RESPOND, is now working with the Wakefield Police Department, to provide services and resources to victims of domestic violence. Family Services Officer Amy Rando, who is also the President of the Wakefield Alliance Against Violence (WAAV), has worked with and referred victims of domestic violence to RESPOND for additional services in the past.