%0 Journal Article
%T The Feasibility of an E-Learning Program to Improve First Line Law Enforcement Responders Recognition of Emotionally Disturbed Persons
%A Bianca Lauria-Horner
%A Brad Kelln
%A Scott Theriault
%J Open Access Library Journal
%V 1
%N 3
%P 1-8
%@ 2333-9721
%D 2014
%I Open Access Library
%R 10.4236/oalib.1100470
%X <p class="MsoNormal">
	<span lang="EN-US">Introduction: With deinstitutionalization,
there are higher demands placed on police in dealing with ¡°emotionally
disturbed persons or EDPs¡± (e.g., those in an agitated state due to any or several
of the following reasons: pre-existing mental health disorder; emerging mental
health disorder; extreme situational stress; substance abuse). The need for
training of first responders in the management of EDPs and/or those suffering
from mental illness is well documented in the literature. We are evaluating the
feasibility of an e-learning course which trains first responders to recognize
emotionally disturbed persons and adopt effective strategies to de-escalate a
crisis situation. Methods: Mental health experts and senior law enforcement
personnel collaborated to pilot a program designed to improve law enforcement
officers¡¯ skills in recognizing, categorizing and managing EDPs, ¡°<i>Recognition of Emotionally Disturbed Persons</i>¡±.
Following a successful training pilot Dalhousie University Department of
Psychiatry entered into a partnership with Canadian Police Knowledge Network
(CPKN)¡ªCanada¡¯s leading provider of online training solutions for police
officers¡ªin order to provide a 2-hour online program available across Canada
and internationally, currently known as <i>Recognition of Emotionally Disturbed
Persons</i> (REDP) e-learning course. Results: The authors will discuss the
feasibility of an on-line learning program, the benefits and challenges
learners have faced over the 4-year period since its inception. Attendees¡¯
satisfaction levels regarding the relevance and utility of this learning model
was high. The REDP-e-learning course has proven to be a practical and useful
approach for first responders dealing with emotionally disturbed persons. This
model is a viable and cost-effective option especially in public service
organizations where time efficiencies and reducing budgets are a priority.
Organizations developing training programs for such target audiences need to
take these factors into account in order to ensure long term sustainability.</span>
</p>
%K Police
%K Training
%K E©\Learning
%K Emotionally Disturbed Persons
%K Mental Health
%U http://www.oalib.com/paper/3064148