Charles Lieberman, who was involved in developing crisis intervention training for the NYPD in 2015 while working at the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Training’s Special Projects unit, recently spoke with Errol Louis about the training that NYPD officers receive for responding to mental health calls. The conversation centered on whether officers actually follow the training they receive, particularly in cases such as that of Win Rozario, a 19-year-old who was recently killed by police.
Lieberman emphasized the importance of ongoing training and education for officers to improve their responses to mental health emergencies and prevent tragic outcomes. He also discussed de-escalation tactics and what the NYPD can learn from other cities in handling mental health calls more effectively. By examining how other law enforcement agencies handle similar situations, the NYPD may be able to incorporate new strategies and approaches that could better serve individuals in crisis.
The discussion highlighted several key takeaways. Firstly, it is essential that officers receive ongoing training and education on how to handle mental health emergencies effectively. Secondly, de-escalation tactics are critical for preventing unnecessary violence or harm to those in crisis. Lastly, there is much that the NYPD can learn from other cities when it comes to handling mental health calls more effectively. Overall, this conversation underscores the importance of continued efforts towards improving police responses to mental health emergencies and preventing tragic outcomes like those seen in cases such as Win Rozario’s death.
