FAQs
What is the Mental Health Crisis Response Training Program?
Our 8-hour Mental Health Crisis Response Training Program equips law enforcement professionals with practical, field-tested strategies for responding safely and effectively to individuals experiencing mental health crises. The course combines real-world law enforcement experience with mental health expertise to improve decision-making, de-escalation, and overall outcomes.
Who should attend the training programs?
The program is designed specifically for law enforcement professionals, including patrol officers, sheriff's deputies, and supervisors.
What topics are covered in the training?
Training includes:
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Recognizing common mental illnesses
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Understanding brain function during crisis
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Officer presence and first contact
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Effective de-escalation techniques
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Recognizing escalation triggers
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Substance-induced psychosis
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Use-of-force decision-making
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Documentation and liability reduction
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Psychotropic medications and street drug interactions
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Scenario-based practical exercises
What makes Veritas Training & Consulting different?
Veritas combines firsthand experience in both law enforcement and mental health. This unique perspective provides officers with practical, realistic training that reflects the challenges they encounter in the field while emphasizing officer safety, legal considerations, and compassionate crisis response.
How long is the training?
The initial certification is an 8-hour instructor-led course. Veritas also offers a 2–3 hour online refresher course to reinforce key concepts between certification cycles.
Can the training be customized for our agency?
Yes. Training can be tailored to meet your department's policies, operational needs, and specific challenges to ensure the content is relevant to your officers.
How does this training benefit our agency?
The program is designed to help agencies:
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Improve officer confidence during mental health encounters
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Strengthen de-escalation and communication skills
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Enhance officer and public safety
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Support sound decision-making under pressure
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Reduce organizational liability through better documentation and response practices
Why is mental health crisis training important?
Law enforcement officers are increasingly called to respond to incidents involving mental illness, substance-induced psychosis, suicidal individuals, and behavioral crises. Specialized training helps officers recognize these situations, respond appropriately, and improve outcomes for everyone involved.
How can we schedule training for our department?
Click the "Contact" tab and complete the form to discuss your agency's needs, available training dates, and customized training options. We'll work with you to develop a program that fits your department's goals and schedule.