An investigation by NY1 examined the response of the NYPD to mental health calls, sparking discussions on the training that officers receive. During this conversation, Errol Louis delved into this topic with Charles Lieberman of Mercy University.
Lieberman shared insights into the crisis intervention training program he developed for the NYPD in 2015 while working in the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Training’s Special Projects unit at the time. The discussion also touched upon the tragic case of Win Rozario, a 19-year-old who was killed by police, and whether officers followed proper crisis intervention protocols in that situation.
The dialogue emphasized the importance of proper training and response protocols for law enforcement officers when dealing with mental health crises in the community. They also explored de-escalation tactics and how strategies employed in other cities could potentially benefit the NYPD’s approach to managing these situations.
Overall, this investigation highlighted the need for continued improvements in crisis intervention training and response protocols to ensure that law enforcement officers are equipped with the necessary tools to handle mental health crises effectively.
