West Valley police coalition working to improve service to mentally ill citizens

PHOENIX — A coalition of West Valley police departments is teaming up to improve service to the mentally ill.

The West Valley Crisis Intervention Team Coalition formed last year and plans to host training classes for all member police departments. Buckeye Police detective Tamela Skaggs said training will help all personnel, both sworn and civilian.

“Anything that can help them better speak with [the mentally ill], and ultimately resolve a situation a little bit better,” Skaggs said.

The coalition is currently comprised of police departments in Surprise, Glendale, Goodyear, Peoria, Avondale, Tolleson, El Mirage and Buckeye.

Last month, the coalition provided the first of many 40-hour training classes. The class brought together several presenters from varying mental health disciplines through the Valley.

“It’s really trained our officers how to get [the mentally-ill] how to get them the proper resources, or how to better talk to them,” Skaggs said.

The coalition will host its next training class in April.

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