Jefferson City Police to add new training for officers

Police in Jefferson City are planning to add a new kind of training for their officers.

JCPD is in the middle of a new program that places a stronger focus on recognizing mental health issues.

Right now, officials are working on the trainers.

Once they have a final plan, they expect it to become part of their regular, in-service training.

ABC 17 News sat down with a Captain Doug Shoemaker from the Jefferson City Police Department during the 9:00 a.m. newscast.

He said the current police officer has some many functions, that this will help everyone and also increase safety by avoiding use of force.

“The role of the police officer as we started has really evolved to so many ways, and proper communication skills are really high on the list, as well as being able to deal with people and potentially diffuse situations that could evolve into something maybe more dangerous,” said Shoemaker.

Shoemaker said the efforts started just under a year ago.