Everett requires 40-hour crisis training for police officers

EVERETT – The Everett Police Department is making sure all its officers have advanced training in how to handle people in crisis.

The Daily Herald newspaper reported that Everett is the second city in the state, after Spokane, to require all officers to undergo 40 hours of crisis intervention training. About two-thirds of Seattle officers have taken the 40-hour training, but it’s not a requirement there.

The course helps teach officers how to respond to people who may be in the throes of a mental health or drug-related crisis. It also gives them information about community services that may provide alternatives to hauling someone to jail or an emergency room.

Legislators last year passed a law requiring all police officers in the state to obtain eight hours of crisis intervention training by 2021. Officers also must receive a two-hour refresher course every year.