Mental Response

Last week, President Trump issued an executive order outlining new guidelines for police regarding situations involving mental health.

Last week, president trump issued an executive order outlining new guidelines for police regarding situations involving mental health.

The order states that all officers should be properly trained when interacting with individuals who suffer from impaired mental health, homelessness, or addiction.

Our cash matlock joins us live from the columbus police department with more on how local law enforcement agencies are responding to the president's order.

Joey, the "safe policing for safe communities" order was issued last week, but columbus police say they've been working with mental health professionals for almost 6 years now.

Veronica harrison is the mobile crisis coordinator for the community counseling center in columbus.

She says finally - more people are talking about mental health.

"there is more attention focused on mental health, which it should have been all the time because long term hospitalization has not been the answer."

She says the president's order came as no surprise.

"we were already doing it.

We were already working together trying to make sure we meet the needs of the individuals served."

Columbus police chief fred shelton says his officers are required to complete 8 hours of mental health training every year.

And if the situation calls for it... they can request a counselor on scene.

"we can call them anytime of night and they'll actually send a counselor out to come with us and work with us and defuse a whole lot of situations."

"on several occasions, we have called a person from community counseling, they'll send a counselor out, and they'll talk with that person.

They're able to talk with that person and get them to a point where they can get them the proper medication, and then we'll be able to take them and get them to help instead of taking them to jail."

Shelton says it's important to treat people suffering from mental illness with decency and respect.

"when we're talking with a person, that person is not wanting to be in the condition that they're in.

They're in a crisis.

They're confused.

They don't understand."

Sheltons says police do much more than just solve crime.

"when we look at and talk about the basis of police which is to protect and serve... that's to serve all citizens."

"they are the peace officer is what they are.

They are there to keep peace and maintain safety.

That is what they do with us."

Shelton says the next round of training for columbus officers is next month.

Reporting in columbus, cash matlock, wcbi news.