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Police Learning To De-Escalate Encounters With Mentally Ill

Burlington Police car
Pat Bradley/WAMC

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.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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