Perth Councillor David Bird (file photo)
During the individual councillors’ reports session of Perth’s council meeting on Tuesday, Deputy Mayor Ed McPherson reported on a recent area joint Police Service Boards meeting he attended where Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé spoke of the need for more police de-escalation training.
The Deputy Mayor commented on the Ombudsman’s call for increased de-escalation training for police officers as they deal with more people with mental health issues on a daily basis.
Councillor David Bird, an OPP officer, reminded everyone of the innovative training that began in Lanark County over 20 years ago that brought much needed expertise to this issue.
He said it was a novel and collaborative approach that quickly became mandated officer training.
De-escalation was and remains the key focus. He stated that this County’s emergency services are ahead of the game.
Story by Brian Turner
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