INDIANA — In a proactive step to enhance campus safety and well-being, police officers at all nine Indiana University campuses receive specialized training to identify potential mental health crises when responding to calls. This initiative aims to equip officers with the skills to handle sensitive situations more effectively.
Lt. Brian Ray of the Indiana University Police Department plays a key role in conducting this vital training. He emphasizes that while officers are not expected to diagnose mental health conditions, they are trained to recognize signs that could indicate a crisis.
The training empowers officers to engage in conversations with individuals experiencing mental health challenges. This approach is particularly crucial in an academic environment, where many students are living away from home for the first time and may face heightened stress and mental health challenges.
With mental health conditions often surfacing during late adolescence and early adulthood, the training prepares officers to recognize the signs of issues such as schizophrenia, which can onset in individuals aged 18 to 25. Ray noted that students could be alone for the first time and away from family, making them more vulnerable.
To ensure a comprehensive understanding of these issues, all new officers and those transferring from other departments must complete this training within their first year of employment. By equipping officers with the tools to identify and de-escalate potential mental health crises, Indiana University is fostering a safer, more supportive environment for its students.
This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mental health awareness within law enforcement and highlights Indiana University’s commitment to the well-being of its campus community.
