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Simsbury police highlight crisis-recognition training and Project Lifesaver after out-of-town shootings
Summary
Commissioners pressed the department about preparedness for mental-health crises after recent police-involved shootings in another town. The chief described embedded crisis-recognition and de-escalation training and noted use of Project Lifesaver locating equipment.
After questions about two fatal police-involved shootings elsewhere, commissioners asked how Simsbury officers are trained to respond to people experiencing mental-health crises.
The chief said crisis recognition and de-escalation are built into the department's training, and officers are taught multiple communication and control options tailored to whether a person is combative or refusing care. "So the techniques that we're being taught have those things built right into them," the chief said.
He also described Project Lifesaver, equipment the department uses to find people who have wandered away. "Project Lifesaver... It's very integrated... Good for like a mile radius," the chief said, noting the technology does not rely on satellites.
Commissioners pressed how officers handle post-incident care for community members and how the department supports officers after traumatic calls. The chief acknowledged the emotional difficulty of such incidents and reaffirmed training and support systems are part of the department's approach.
A commissioner asked whether officers distribute pamphlets or resource information after family-violence calls; staff replied that state providers supply the form used at those calls.
The commission did not take formal action on training during the meeting but discussed continued emphasis on de-escalation and nonlethal response options.
