The fresno police department (FPD) will use FY24 safer outcomes funding to develop and implement a comprehensive training program aimed at improving DE-escalation tactics and crisis response skills…

The fresno police department (FPD) will use FY24 safer outcomes funding to develop and implement a comprehensive training program aimed at improving DE-escalation tactics and crisis response skills among law enforcement officers and dispatchers. This initiative addresses the critical need for enhanced training to manage encounters with individuals experiencing mental health crises, behavioral health issues, or disabilities, in alignment with senate bill 230 and current best practices. The program will utilize advanced training methods, and outside training vendors with expertise in crisis response and DE-escalation tactics. The training will include situations/scenarios officers and dispatchers may encounter, allowing them to practice DE-escalation and crisis intervention techniques in a controlled and safe environment. This approach ensures that participants can build confidence and competence in their abilities to handle situations effectively by enhancing communication strategies to stabilize situations and reduce threats without the use of force or minimizing the use of force. This includes verbal and non-verbal communication skills to calm potentially volatile situations. Courses will include foundational and advanced DE-escalation techniques, focusing on real-world scenarios in a controlled environment. This will be accomplished through 1) the use of the virtra simulator which offers life-like scenarios with branching capabilities, 2) the use of phone-APP-based training, specifically performa training which delivers the training content as time allows for the individual to participate, and 3) communication center personnel, including dispatchers and call-takers will be provided meaningful trainings as IT pertains to the job of dispatch. Training will be provided to officers and dispatchers over two years, with goals of improving public safety, building community trust, and achieving safer outcomes during police encounters. Dispatchers play a crucial role in crisis response, as they are often the first point of contact for individuals in distress. By including dispatchers in the training, IT ensures a cohesive and coordinated approach to crisis situations from the moment a call is received. The FPD regional training center (RTC) will implement a robust evaluation framework to measure the effectiveness of the training, including pre- and post-training assessments and follow-up to assess the real-world application of skills learned. This framework will help identify areas for improvement and ensure the training remains relevant and effective. Additionally, the RTC will use feedback from participants to continuously refine and enhance the training curriculum, write modifications, if necessary, to improve the training. To ensure sustainability, DE-escalation and CIT will be integrated into ongoing professional development programs and allow future expansion in training curriculums. By institutionalizing these training practices, FPD aims to create a lasting culture of DE-escalation and crisis intervention within the department. This initiative not only addresses immediate training needs but also fosters long-term improvements in public safety and community relations.