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One of the problems with some of the Oregon police departments including Portland is that they have gone their own way despite the highly successful Memphis Model of Crisis Intervention Team training. This program is a national recognized model that train certain officers, usually volunteers who show an aptitude for responding to such situations, much like a swat team that is formed with officers with certain skills. Portland has decided to train all officers and I understand new officers get it as part of the initial trainings which dilutes the information even futher. Unfortunately the mental health system has a poor record of getting people healed, many stay in the system for life with periods of stability and subsequent decompensations which leaves far too many vulnerable to harm on the streets. Yes, use the best possible training for Police Departments, but more so stop the indiscriminate labeling and medicating that leads to lifelong disability of so many.   

posted 2 years, 3 months ago
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