Watch above: Saskatoon police will received standardized training to better deal with the mentally ill
SASKATOON – The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police has joined forces with the Mental Health Commission of Canada to develop national training standards for all officers, and the Saskatoon Police Service is on board.
Police officers are trained to prevent tragedies, but Saskatoon Police Chief Clive Weighill said they are often the ‘last resort’ for those who struggle with mental illness.
“There’s a lot of capacity issues, where we can’t get people into the mental health system quick enough. They may want help for their substance abuse issues, or they may need psychiatric help, but there’s long waiting lists,” he explained.
Local mental health advocates are applauding the national partnership, and said it will set a precedent for all regions in Canada.
“We’re gaining a better understanding across the country,” explained Rita Field with the Saskatoon Crisis Intervention Service.
“The Mental Health Commission, I think, is doing a good job of trying to destigmatize and ask that all of us who have contact with people with mental health problems, that we have a client-centred, person-centred approach,” she said.
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 20 per cent of Canadians experience a mental illness in any given year.
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Most police calls related to mental health issues end peacefully, but others lead to accusations of police brutality.
One of those cases was the deadly police shooting of 18-year-old Sammy Yatim on a Toronto streetcar in July of last year.
“The Mental Health Commission of Canada has really put some effort and attention on this issue,” said Tracy Muggli, director of the Saskatoon Health Region’s Mental Health and Addictions Services.
“Anytime we provide more information and training about mental health and addictions, we’re going to up our game in being able to respond,” Muggli said.
A national report outlining recommended education for officers and standards is expected by the end of June.
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