The Forrest County Sheriff’s Office is now even more equiped to handle situations such as standoffs or people who are in a mental health crisis.

On Monday, Sheriff Charlie Sims announced the graduation of two of his deputies from Crisis Intervention Training last Friday.

Deputies Tahniqua Netterville and Jeremy Jackson graduated from the 40-hour CIT class last Friday at Camp Shelby. The class is taught by the CIT Pine Belt intervention team in partnership with Pine Belt Mental Health and local law enforcement.

“We have made this program a priority for FCSO front line deputies.,” said Sheriff Sims. “It is imperative that our deputies understand the mental health issues they may see when responding to various situations while on duty.”

The CIT training provides officers with education about mental illness, and provides skills and tools for effectively and safely interacting with someone who is experiencing a crisis. The course of study exposes the basic dynamics of common types of mental illness. Topics include substance abuse, autism, and persons with disabilities, along with symptoms of PTSD.