Lake County offering mental health training to officers

WAUKEGAN, Ill. (AP) - Law enforcement officials in Lake County are undergoing training that Illinois could use as a statewide model to help officers identify suspects with potential mental health issues.

The training being offered at College of Lake County introduces officers to the signs and triggers of mental illnesses in an effort to diffuse situations that could turn violent.

Lake County Health Department Executive Director Tony Beltran tells the News-Sun (http://trib.in/1VzZAv6 ) that the training teaches officers how to recognize people with mental illness, and when to consider taking them to a hospital or treatment center instead of jail.

He says law enforcement officials have welcomed the training because it can keep both officers and suspects safe.

Lake County Undersheriff Ray Rose says the officers who have taken the classes have found them helpful.

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Information from: Lake County News-Sun, http://newssun.chicagotribune.com/