Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) hosted a week-long crisis intervention training course with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), one of the country’s leading law enforcement agencies in providing compassionate, respectful, and effective intervention services. A team of trainers from the LASD traveled to Harrisburg, where a week-long training was held for PSP members along with local law enforcement, medical professionals, and other crisis intervention practitioners.
“The Pennsylvania State Police frequently collaborates with other agencies to share training, techniques, and procedures to ensure residents of the Commonwealth receive the best law enforcement services possible,” said Colonel Christopher Paris, Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. “Through this initiative with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, we hope to enhance our preparation, gain knowledge, and share ideas with experts in the field.”
The training touched on effective methods of on-scene crisis stabilization, recognizing signs of a mental health crisis, and first responder personal well-being. The LASD also guided attendees through real-world, hands-on scenarios that allowed attendees to practice what they learned.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Mental Evaluation Team has trained police agencies across the western United States. This is the first time the LASD team, which consists of deputies and mental health practitioners, has held a training on the East Coast. Nearly 80 representatives from federal, state, county, and local agencies and health organizations attended.
For more information on the Pennsylvania State Police, visit psp.pa.gov.