The City of Houghton Police Department and Copper Shores Outreach & Education invite all local law enforcement agencies and officers to a free, two-day training aimed at equipping first responders with tools to handle behavioral health emergencies. This training will take place June 17 and 18 at the Copper Country Intermediate School District Service Center (809 Hecla Street; Hancock) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
Designed specifically for Michigan first responders and crisis teams, the training includes three components: pre-course online modules, in-person classroom instruction and scenario-based exercises. The program helps emergency personnel recognize, respond to and, most importantly, de-escalate behavioral health crises.
This training was developed in collaboration with the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and subject matter experts from mental health, law enforcement, EMS and advocacy fields. Course material is drawn from prior state-funded programs including MI-CIS and Managing Mental Health Crisis, and aligns with Michigan law, MCOLES standards and national best practices.
The training is funded through the State of Michigan’s Diversion Council and is both endorsed and MCOLES-approved as part of recommended annual officer training requirements.