The southern university police department (SUPD) proposes the C.A.L.M. (crisis assistance, linkage & management for safer response) project to enhance its capacity to respond safely and effectively to…

The Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Program awarded Southern University and A & M College $250,000 on October 1, 2025, under the Public Safety Partnership and Community Policing Grants program (CFDA 16.710) to expand the Southern University Police Department's crisis response capacity.

The C.A.L.M. (Crisis Assistance, Linkage & Management for Safer Response) project will enhance SUPD's ability to respond safely and effectively to individuals experiencing mental or behavioral health crises within the university community. Over the two-year performance period ending September 30, 2027, SUPD will expand its existing Crisis Intervention Training program by delivering comprehensive, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive training to officers and key university personnel. Training curriculum will address de-escalation, suicide risk assessment, legal and ethical considerations, and referral pathways to community-based services. The initiative will employ scenario-based simulations and quarterly workshops to reinforce learning and practice. SUPD will collaborate with local mental health providers, peer networks, and community partners to establish coordinated crisis response protocols.

The work is performed in Scotlandville, Louisiana.

The southern university police department (SUPD) proposes the C.A.L.M. (crisis assistance, linkage & management for safer response) project to enhance its capacity to respond safely and effectively to individuals experiencing mental or behavioral health crises within the southern university and a & M college (SUBR) community ($250,000). This two-year initiative will expand SUPD's existing crisis intervention training (CIT) program by providing comprehensive, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive training to officers and key university personnel. Training will emphasize DE-escalation, suicide risk assessment, legal and ethical considerations, and referral pathways to community-based services. Scenario-based simulations and quarterly workshops will reinforce learning and practice. SUPD will collaborate with local mental health providers, peer networks, and community partners to ensure a coordinated response to crises.