HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR121418KPDtrainsofficersincrisisinterventionTHE COUNTY OF KAUA'I
t!` DEREK S. K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
mq MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
C on
News Release
For Immediate Release: December 14, 2018
KAUA'I POLICE DEPARTMENT
MICHAEL M. CONTRADES, ACTING CHIEF
Tel (808) 241-1600
Fax (808) 241-1604
KPD trains officers in crisis intervention
LIHU`E — Nine officers from the Kauai Police Department and three officers from the
Hawaii Police Department graduated from the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training course on
Friday, Dec. 7, held at the Kauai Emergency Management Agency's Emergency Operations
Center.
.The CIT program trains officers to recognize when an individual is in crisis and to utilize
certain skills and tactics that offer appropriate help rather than just placing people in the criminal
justice system," said Acting Chief of Police Michael Contrades. "It not only promotes the safety
of our officers, but also the safety of the individuals in crisis and those with mental illness and
substance abuse disorders. On behalf of KPD, I would like to thank all of our partners involved
for their continued support of this program."
The following 12 graduates were honored with a Certificate of Completion, marking their
accomplishment: KPD's Det. Darin Irimata, Det. Aaron Lester, Sgt. Clyde Caires, Sgt. Eric
Caspillo, Ofc. Christopher Cabrera, Ofc. Marnie Fernandez, Ofc. Lucas Hamberg, Ofc. Rolland
Peahu, and Ofc. Jason Scalzo; HPD's Sgt. Jason Grouns, Ofc. Joseph Passmore, and Ofc.
Benhielden Del Toro.
"The mental health crisis on Kauai is increasing day by day and the need for certified
and trained responders is a very real and important issue that faces our community," said Mayor
Derek S. K. Kawakami. "I am so proud that our police department recognizes this important
need and is leading the way to train officers across the state in these life -changing skills."
The CIT program began on Kauai in November 2017, with the training of 14 Kaua'i
police officers.
"The program has already resulted in a positive culture change within the Kauai
community," said Dr. Dara Rampersad of BluePaz LLC., who conducted the week-long training.
"Officers are successfully utilizing these skills daily in their jobs, and community partners such
as Wilcox Hospital are making big changes to collaborate with police, thereby providing even
better patient care."
Last week's CIT program consisted of 40 hours of training in mental health and
substance abuse response, which also included topics around post -traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD) and veterans, suicide intervention, working with juveniles, traumatic brain injuries,
kupuna care, crisis de-escalation strategies, and communication skills.
"Our local community partners came together to help make this training very impactful,"
said Dr. Rampersad. "We are grateful to have the strong support of the Kauai Police
Department in bringing this program to Kauai county."
Photo: Officers from Kauai Police Department and Hawaii Police Department graduated from
the Crisis Intervention Team training course on Friday, held at the Kauai Emergency
Management Agency. Governor Liaison Carrice Gardner and Managing Director Michael Dahilig
congratulated the officers for their success and continued dedication to the community.