MN SF2753

The board shall create a list of approved training courses for peace officers in responding to mental health crises, developed in consultation with the commissioner of human services and mental health stakeholders.

Approved courses must include instruction on at least one of nine topics: techniques for relating to individuals with mental illnesses and families, crisis de-escalation, diversity and mental health, mental illnesses and criminal justice, community resources, psychotropic medications, co-occurring mental illnesses and substance use disorders, suicide prevention, or mental illness symptoms.

Courses must provide information on local mental health crisis teams in each officer's jurisdiction, including services offered and contact information, as well as training on responding appropriately to children and families present during mental health crises.

Peace officers with active licenses must complete a minimum of four hours of continuing education training in mental health crisis response over a three-year period.

The provision takes effect July 1, 2017.