Crisis Intervention Funding For UPD

The Utica Police Department will be reimbursed for special training that will help officers learn how to handle situations involving persons with mental illness.

Senator Joseph Griffo says state funds will help create a Crisis Intervention Team  (CIT) made up of local law enforcement, mental health providers and emergency services personnel.

Griffo says the goal of the program is to train up to 20% of the UPD force, which will cost about $1,500 per officer.

CIT programs typically provide 40 hours of training for law enforcement.

All of the money the city spends on developing its CIT will be reimbursed through funds set aside in the 2014-15 state budget.

Other communities that will receive funding for this initiative include Syracuse, Binghamton, Auburn and Ogdensburg.