(a) The purpose of this section is to provide for training of law enforcement officers, who are most often the first responders in a behavioral health emergency, to recognize the signs and symptoms of behavioral health challenges or mental health disorders and to respond more effectively and appropriately to individuals in crisis.
(b) The Virgin Islands Police Department and the Police Officer Standards and Training Council in conjunction with the Division of Behavioral Health shall train within the first year after the effective date of this section, all new law enforcement hires and all current law enforcement officers, then annually, on how to address calls involving behavioral or mental health crises by being certified in Crisis Prevention Institute—Nonviolent Crisis Intervention and complete Crisis Intervention Team training. Law enforcement officers shall perform their regular duties but must be trained on how to respond more effectively and appropriately to individuals in crisis. Law enforcement officers shall receive a minimum of 40 hours of specialized training in psychiatric diagnoses, suicide intervention, substance use issues, behavioral de-escalation, the role of the family in behavioral health challenges or mental health disorders, behavioral health, and substance abuse laws, and local resources and procedures for individuals in crisis.
(c) Teachers, school psychologists, social workers, guidance counselors, school monitors and other school personnel must be trained on early identification of potential behavioral health challenges or mental health disorders. They must also receive specialized training in psychiatric diagnoses, suicide intervention, substance use issues, behavioral de-escalation, the role of the family in behavioral health challenges or mental health disorders, behavioral health, and substance use laws, and local resources and procedures for individuals in crisis.
(d) Crisis intervention training must consist of 40 hours of specialized training initially and a minimum of 4 hours of continuing education annually.
(e) The Bureau of Corrections shall create and execute behavioral training courses for corrections officers and staff so that they are qualified to serve inmates with behavioral health needs and meet professional industry standards on behavioral response techniques. The training must also be provided to the Virgin Islands Police Department officers who are assigned to respond with the CIT.