The lynn police department will use FY24 safer outcomes funding to implement two distinct and complementary DE-escalation training courses for lynn police officers

The U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) awarded a $349,007 Project Grant under the Public Safety Partnership and Community Policing Grants program (CFDA 16.710) to the City of Lynn, MA. The funding will be used by the Lynn Police Department to implement two distinct de-escalation training courses for its officers - the Integrating Communications Assessment and Tactics (ICAT) De-Escalation Training and Crisis Intervention Training (CIT). The goal of this initiative is to enhance community safety by reducing use-of-force incidents and injuries to both community members and police officers during calls involving individuals experiencing mental health, behavioral health, or suicidal crises. The award has a performance period from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2026.

The two courses are: integrating communications assessment and tactics DE-escalation training (ICAT) and crisis intervention training (CIT). DE-escalation and crisis intervention training are a wise investment in the community safety. DE-escalation training is proven to reduce not only use of force incidents but also injuries to both community members and police officers alike. If awarded, this funding will bring the lynn police department closer to realizing our common goal of safer outcomes for all during calls where community members are experiencing a mental health, behavioral health, or suicidal crisis.