Penn State Altoona students assist in statewide crisis management training

SCRANTON, Pa. - Four students from Penn State Altoona's Integrated Social Science Research Lab (ISSRL) assisted Pennsylvania State Police and Penn State Health with a Keystone Model of Crisis Management (KMCM) workshop at Lackawanna College on March 31.

The workshop brought together cadets and municipal police officers to learn and practice skills, techniques and strategies of crisis management taught by professionals from the Penn State Police Use of Force Unit and Penn State Health Clinical Simulation Center.

Through lectures and hands-on exercises, participants learned how to recognize symptoms of mental illnesses and practice skills that help stabilize someone experiencing a crisis.

"KMCM is unique as a model because it combines expertise from both mental health and law enforcement professionals into a concise, yet comprehensive training platform," said Nathan E. Kruis, assistant professor of criminal justice and co-director of the ISSRL. "This is not just another 'train the trainer' model. It is highly professionalized and incorporates expert instruction, demonstration and feedback through role-based simulations."

This was the fifth community-based workshop that ISSRL members assisted with through conducting registration and logistical support. They also collected data to analyze for a scholarly assessment of the model.

"We are the first to study this model," said Kruis. "Our preliminary findings have been promising. Officers tend to feel more prepared in their abilities to effectively handle crisis situations following the training."

Ally Black, a second-year criminal justice student, plans to become a police officer. "I have been to this training four times, and I learned something new at each one. I know everything I've taken from these trainings will be utilized in my career in law enforcement."

Third-year psychology student Maura Smith said it was an honor to attend the workshop. "I couldn't help but feel the weight of this training that can make the difference between life and death in mental health crisis situations. It is truly inspiring."

Student team members say the program is a uniquely beneficial college experience.

Devlin Glenn is studying criminal justice and is the student leader for the project. "I am proud to be a part of something that has the potential to change the future of training law enforcement officers receive when it comes to handling mental health crises, and I am extremely thankful for the opportunities I have had at Penn State Altoona, especially being part of the research lab. These experiences and connections have really set me up for success."

The next KMCM workshop is scheduled for Friday, April 24, at Penn State Shenango.

The Integrated Social Science Research Lab is embedded in the criminal justice and sociology programs at Penn State Altoona. It is coordinated by Nathan E. Kruis, associate professor of criminal justice, and Nicholas J. Rowland, distinguished professor of sociology. The ISSRL is made possible by Penn State Altoona's Division of Business, Health, Humanities, and Social Sciences, headed by Nicholas L. Pyeatt, professor of political science.