Some police in Vermont are receiving training on how to de-escalate encounters with people who may be experiencing a mental health crisis.
The Burlington Police Department is one of five departments nationwide participating in a pilot program from the Police Executive Research Forum.
Deputy Chief Jan Wright says nearly 20 members of the department received lessons this week on de-escalation techniques. She expects the curriculum to become mandatory when it's finalized.
Wright says a key message of the training is slowing things down in the heat of the moment and connecting on a personal level.
The training comes months after a police officer fatally shot a man experiencing mental health issues who authorities say refused to put down large knives. An investigation found the shooting legally justified.
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