By C1 Staff
SECAUCUS — Twenty corrections officers from four counties have completed New Jersey’s first ever 40-hour Crisis Intervention Training Program.
The “very intense and hands on” scenario-based training program focused on correctional employees utilizing crisis intervention techniques for the mentally ill, NJ.com reports.
The group of 14 men and six women learned to identify mental illnesses, implement de-escalation techniques and effectively manage mentally ill inmates in a correctional setting. The program took place inside the Hudson County Youth House, which gave the program a more realistic feel.
Professional actors were used in different role-playing scenarios, posing as inmates and officers.
The program is hoped to expand to all 21 counties in the state.