The Applied Mental Health Certificate for Law Enforcement Program has been introduced by St. Petersburg College in Florida to provide law enforcement professionals and first responders with the necessary tools to handle mental health issues within the community, as well as manage the stress that comes with their roles. Dr. Tonjua Williams, the president of St. Petersburg College, believes that this program is essential for protecting those who protect us, and by providing officers with the training they need, the community can benefit.
The program will equip officers with counseling skills, interview techniques, and knowledge on how to handle complex mental health situations within their departments and the communities they serve. Officers who complete the program will become mental health liaisons within their departments, able to identify mental health issues that require further assessment and provide necessary support in professional practice.
Jonathan Vazquez, the president of the Suncoast Police Benevolent Association, emphasizes the importance of this program in ensuring that individuals facing mental health challenges receive the understanding and assistance they need. As an experienced officer and Army veteran with 15 years of service, Vazquez recognizes the significance of training law enforcement professionals to better support individuals struggling with mental health issues.
