CMHSR Offers Training in Risk Identity, Crisis Intervention and Stress Management

Trainings were offered in Middlesex, Worcester, Franklin & Hampshire Counties and at Statewide Sheriffs Conferences in Holyoke & Plymouth In May & June
Trainings by Albert J. Grudzinskas, Jr., J.D. and Barry N. Feldman, Ph.D. included:

Human Elements of Corrections: Critical Incident Stress Management Training for Corrections Officers
Suicide is the leading cause of death in American jails and the third leading cause of death in American prisons. Risk for violence is also a n everyday concern in correctional settings. The stress of working in these settings creates a heightened risk for psychological health concerns and contributes to elevated suicide rates among correctional officers themselves.

Officers learned:

• techniques for suicide prevention training for correctional officers;
• to help officers better understand and identify persons at risk for self-harm or violence, due to mental health or other stress related issues;
• to identify sources of officer stress; and
• to develop strategies to effectively identify and manage the stressors created by the work environment.

Recognizing Signs & Symptoms of Mental Illness and Inmates in Crisis
The training is intended to facilitate an understanding of the nature of illness, and not to serve as a substitute for the clinical expertise available in the unique setting of a clinical response. The information provided will then be given practical application as officers are taught alternatives to the use of force to secure and stabilize persons in crisis, and to manage risk. Techniques for de-escalating behaviors and reducing risk of personal injury, while maintaining public safety will also be stressed.

Officers learned:

• to recognize signs (observable phenomena) and symptoms (reported phenomena) of mental illness;
• to distinguish between mental illness, mental retardation, and other presentations of persons in crisis;
• how and why the numbers of persons with mental illness living in the community as opposed to in secure hospital settings have increased over time; and
• mandated reporting requirements for suspected abuse to vulnerable populations, including children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly.

Officers became familiar with:

• constructs utilized to recognize and classify illnesses;
• methodologies to treat various classes of illnesses;
• alternatives to the use of force to secure and stabilize persons in crisis, and
• the rationale supporting techniques for de-escalation of crisis.