Arkansas Code
Subchapter 1 - Commission on Standards and Training
§ 12-9-119. Behavioral health crisis intervention training

(a)
(1) In accordance with the certification requirements of the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training for law enforcement officers, a law enforcement officer enrolled in a commission-certified basic police training academy shall complete at least sixteen (16) hours of training relating to behavioral health crisis intervention in a law enforcement context.
(2) Practicum training is sufficient for the requirement under subdivision (a)(1) of this section.

(b) Training under subsection (a) of this section shall include without limitation:
(1) The dynamics of relating to an individual:
(A) With a behavioral health impairment as defined in § 20-47-803;
(B) Who has demonstrated a substantial likelihood of committing bodily harm against himself or herself;
(C) Who has demonstrated a substantial likelihood of committing bodily harm against another person; or
(D) Who is under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance to the extent that the individual's judgment and decision-making process is impaired;

(2) Available mental health service providers and support services;
(3) The voluntary and involuntary commitment process;
(4) Law enforcement interaction with hospitals, mental health professionals, the judiciary, and the mental health services community; and
(5) Practices to promote the safety of law enforcement officers and the public.

(c) The commission shall certify:
(1) Specialized training for qualified law enforcement officers of at least eight (8) hours; and
(2)
(A) Crisis intervention team training of at least forty (40) hours taught over five (5) consecutive days.
(B) Crisis intervention team training under subdivision (c)(2)(A) of this section shall emphasize understanding of behavioral impairments and mental illnesses and shall incorporate the development of communication skills, practical experience, and role-playing.
(C) Participants in the crisis intervention team training under subdivision (c)(2)(A) of this section shall be introduced to mental health professionals, consumers, and family members in both the classroom and through onsite visits.

(d)
(1) A local law enforcement agency, including a county sheriff's office, but not a municipal law enforcement agency that employs less than ten (10) full-time law enforcement officers, shall employ at least one (1) law enforcement officer who has completed within eighteen (18) months of August 1, 2017, the crisis intervention team training as described under subdivision (c)(2) of this section.
(2) A local law enforcement agency, including a county sheriff's office, is encouraged to:
(A) Have at least twenty percent (20%) of the certified law enforcement officers that it employs complete the crisis intervention team training offered under subdivision (c)(2) of this section;
(B) Develop and implement a model policy addressing law enforcement response to persons affected by a behavioral impairment; and
(C) Establish a clearly defined and sustainable partnership with one (1) or more community mental health organizations.

(e) All training required under this section and the curriculum for the training shall be developed by the Division of Law Enforcement Standards and Training, in collaboration with the Criminal Justice Institute.