The Washington County Sheriff’s Department will participate in a 40-hour crisis intervention team training this week. On day one, participants learn advanced verbal communication skills and the various ways to respond to a person experiencing a behavioral crisis. Participants then learn the dynamics of serious mental illness on day two. On the third day, participants learn about depression, post-traumatic stress, and the complex social problem of suicide, with a focus on police suicide. On day 4, participants dive into advanced topics surrounding untreated serious mental illness and public safety. Day five participants learn to look at their own mental wellness as a way to guide their responses in all human interactions. The last course of the training provides tangible skills to implement mental resilience. The week is completed when participants pass a written exam and a practical application assessment. The premise of this course is to promote behavior change through human connection.