Reform Effort Has Sheriff Deputies Undergoing Crisis Intervention Training

By Tom Mustin

DENVER (CBS4) - There's a million-dollar program designed to change the Denver Sheriff Department.

"It's part of the culture change, part of the reform process," Sheriff Patrick Firman told CBS4's Tom Mustin.

After a series of high-profile excessive force cases against the department, all 700 deputies are being required to complete Crisis Intervention Training, or C.I.T.

Firman says the 40-hour course includes lifelike scenarios, which force deputies to deal with out-of-control inmates.

"We bring in actors who act as inmates with various types of mental illness or various behavioral problems to give the staff the opportunity to role play in those scenarios as lifelike as possible," he said.

The training is part of the massive reform effort at the department. The goal is to diffuse potentially violent situations, without force, whenever possible.

"It's the idea of talking through issues, trying to de-escalate the situation as best as they can," said Firman.

It's a tough battle. Firman says 25 percent of the inmates have some type of mental illness, and de-escalation is often easier said than done. Even in tough situations deputies are taught to only use force as a last resort.

Firman believes, ultimately, the training will make inmates and deputies safer at the Denver jail.

Angel Vigil had just finished visiting a friend at the Denver jail. She appreciates the new program.

"I agree with them," said Vigil. "They need to train better, because if we don't we're going to keep on having people die and it doesn't need to be like that."

After several embarrassing lawsuits involving jail beatings, Firman came aboard nine months ago to reshape and bring accountability to the department. He says he has already seen a change in the culture at the Sheriff Department. He believes the new training is another step in the right direction.

"As we start to look for the positives and the successful de-escalations, I 've seen a big change."

The million-dollar program is being funded by the city's $24 million reform budget.

After this year, deputies who have completed the program will undergo shortened refresher courses in crisis intervention to keep their skills sharp.

Tom Mustin is CBS4's Weekend Anchor. He has been with CBS4 since 2002, and is always looking for great story ideas. Connect with Tom on Facebook or follow him on Twitter @TomCBS4.