Seattle Police Launch New Crisis Intervention Policy

Seattle police have launched a new policy which changes how officers approach situations with people who are mentally ill or under the influence. According to KUOW, the new crisis intervention policy is part of a series of police reforms in the city.

As KUOW reports, a 2011 federal investigation found that the Seattle Police Department used excessive force, most frequently when encountering people with a mental illness, or people who are impaired by drugs or alcohol.

Under the new policy, officers will be specifically trained for scenarios where somebody is having a “behavioral crisis.” The training includes a 40-hour course, an exam and additional training each year, KUOW said.

“SPD’s data shows that far too many situations requiring force involve people suffering from mental health or substance abuse issues,” said U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan in a written statement. “This new policy creates critical new organizational and operational changes for the Seattle Police Department that will guide and help officers when dealing with such individuals.”

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