Jackson-area law enforcement graduates new class of crisis intervention officers

Officials say expanded training will improve responses to mental health emergencies across the region

Apr. 4, 2026 at 1:33am

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An abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a police officer speaking with a person, the figures blurred in a warm, hazy light wash, conceptually representing the specialized training to handle mental health crises.The new Crisis Intervention Team training aims to improve how law enforcement responds to mental health emergencies, prioritizing de-escalation and connecting individuals with support.Jackson Today

Law enforcement agencies across the Jackson area have graduated a new class of Crisis Intervention Team officers trained to de-escalate high-risk situations involving individuals experiencing mental health crises. The program brings together multiple agencies to give more officers the tools to safely handle these types of calls, which leaders say can quickly escalate if not handled properly.

Why it matters

The specialized training is critical for both officer and community safety, as these situations often begin as standard emergency calls but require a different approach to reduce the need for force, prevent escalation, and connect people with mental health resources when possible. Having more trained officers across multiple agencies will help improve outcomes and better protect communities throughout the Jackson metro area.

The details

The new class of Crisis Intervention Team officers graduated after receiving expanded training to improve how law enforcement responds to mental health emergencies. The program is a collaborative effort between multiple agencies in the Jackson area, giving more officers the skills to de-escalate high-risk situations and provide appropriate support and care before individuals enter the mental health system, if needed.

  • The new class of Crisis Intervention Team officers recently graduated.

The players

Rashall Brackney

Jackson Police Chief, who said the graduation represents a major step forward in how officers engage with the public during mental health crises.

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What they’re saying

“What this graduation represents is, we have officers now who have additional skills that allow them to engage with people who may be experiencing a mental health crisis in the community.”

— Rashall Brackney, Jackson Police Chief

“Something that might have started as a 911 call, where someone did not have a full understanding of what is happening, these officers now can come in and have the ability to deescalate, nonescalate, and then provide the type of support and care before someone can enter in the mental health support system if they need that.”

— Rashall Brackney, Jackson Police Chief

The takeaway

The expanded training and new class of Crisis Intervention Team officers in the Jackson area represent a significant step forward in how law enforcement responds to mental health emergencies, with the goal of reducing the need for force, preventing situations from escalating, and better connecting individuals in crisis with the appropriate mental health resources and support.