The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has hired a manager for a training program aimed at reducing arrests among the mentally ill.
Monica Middlebrooks brings a background in human services, criminal justice and work as a Juvenile Court probation officer with her to the federal grant-funded post.
The sheriff’s office hosted the first local session of Crisis Intervention Training in September 2009. Area law enforcement participated in that class and another this March.
“The heart of CIT will be the partnerships we develop,” Middlebrooks said.
Chattanooga police leaders said officers have taken quickly to the training, which gives them tips on how to help “talk down” a mentally ill person and reduce high tensions in situations that can turn violent quickly.