Deputies with the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Officehave begun Crisis Intervention Training, or CIT, to learn how to better de-escalate confrontations with civilians.
Sheriff Jerry Clayton says the training will address mental health crises and the problem of implicit racial and cultural bias.
He says,
“It’s not just one solution. These are complicated situations, we’re talking about human beings, so you have to have a comprehensive strategy. We believe that we have a model that provides that comprehensive strategy.”
Clayton says all county deputies will eventually receive training. The majority of sessions will begin in September.
The Sheriff’s Office will also review its use of force policies. Clayton says they’ll make changes to those policies if needed.
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— Amanda LeClaire is an assignment reporter and anchor for 89.1 WEMU News. Contact her at 734.487.3363 or email her aleclair@emich.edu