The University of Delaware Police Department (UDPD) has completed an intensive program aimed at ensuring successful interactions between law enforcement and individuals with mental health conditions.

Sponsored by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the One Mind Campaign is a focused global effort designed to encourage law enforcement to connect those with mental health conditions with appropriate resources in their communities.

“The University of Delaware Police Department has had policies and procedures in place for addressing mental health concerns since 2006,” UD Chief of Police Patrick Ogden said. “Since then, those policies and procedures have been regularly reviewed and refined to ensure that UD is following best practices and meeting industry standards. I am pleased to note that UD’s policies and practices are in total compliance with the IACP One Mind campaign.”

The campaign specifically calls for clearly defined and sustainable relationships with community mental health organizations; and training and certification of sworn officers in mental health awareness and response, including mental health first aid training and Crisis Intervention Team training.

In completing the One Mind Pledge, UDPD affirms that it has longstanding partnerships with several health organizations within the University community and throughout the state of Delaware.

In terms of the training requirement, more than 90% of UD’s sworn officers completed mental health first aid training earlier this year. Those who missed the initial training are expected to complete the course later in the year.

In addition, 10 sworn officers are trained in Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) certifications, and two 911 telecommunicators are basic CIT certified as well, with more expected to be trained in the coming year.

Each year, all employees complete online refresher training detailing different mental health issues they may encounter. In-person training is also completed at regular intervals.

Calls to UDPD related to mental health conditions have increased over the past few years.

“At this point, more than 640 agencies around the world have pledged to the One Mind Campaign, and we’re proud to join their ranks,” Ogden said. “This initiative is a key element of our commitment to enhance safety and serve our community."

The IACP is an international professional association for law enforcement with 33,000 members in 160 countries. The association works to advance the policing profession through advocacy, research, outreach and education. For more information about the One Mind Campaign, visit the IACP website. A list of all agencies who have taken and completed the pledge is available there.