Crisis intervention team graduates

LIHUE — Nine officers from the Kauai Police Department and three officers from the Hawaii Police Department graduated from the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training course.

A ceremony was held earlier this month 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 KPD 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 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 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.”

The recent 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 Rampersad. “We are grateful to have the strong support of the Kauai Police Department in bringing this program to Kauai County.”