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Avenues Recovery Center is a drug and alcohol rehab in Virginia with seventeen locations across seven states. Our state blog offers the latest on all addiction-related news in Virginia, keeping you updated on the rise and fall of current events in your area.
Starting July 1, Virginia has enacted a new law requiring police officers to undergo specialized training to better handle mental health crises. This move, supported by both law enforcement and mental health professionals, reflects a growing awareness that the traditional approach to policing isn’t always effective—or safe—when dealing with individuals in psychological distress.
According to wcyb news, the Department of Criminal Justice Services has been assigned the responsibility of developing the new training curriculum. The program will place strong emphasis on officer discretion, particularly in high-stress encounters involving behavioral health issues. The goal is to teach law enforcement how to recognize mental health symptoms, de-escalate tense situations, and avoid responses that could escalate danger for everyone involved.
"Nearly every day these law enforcement officers are called to deal with somebody that's in behavioral health crisis or some type of crisis," said Byron Ashbrook, police chief of BVPD. "Learning the resources that are available to the officers, having the training to learn how to deescalate these individuals instead of compounding the situation further is paramount."
This training also focuses on the broader impact of arrests on individuals in crisis, both in the immediate moment and in the long term. Rather than resorting to force or incarceration, officers will now be encouraged and equipped to connect individuals with crisis support services. It’s a shift toward more humane and community-centered policing—where empathy and sound judgment are just as crucial as authority.
"You want officers that have empathy, you want officers that make good judgments and don't make snap judgments," Ashbrook added.
Part of the initiative includes support for crisis intervention teams—specially trained units designed to respond to mental health emergencies more effectively. These teams are already showing results in various regions, helping reduce unnecessary arrests and hospitalizations.
Rebecca Holmes, Executive Director at Highlands Community Services, welcomed the new law. “It’s been a good resource,” she said. “I think it has a positive impact and I’m glad to see that now some legislative elements are going to help the rest of the state kind of catch up to the good work and the progress we’ve seen here in our region.”
Virginia’s mandate represents more than a policy change—it’s a cultural shift in law enforcement, one that acknowledges the humanity of people in crisis. With the right tools, every police call can become an opportunity for intervention, recovery, and community healing.
If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health challenges or substance use, don’t wait to seek help—reach out to Avenues Recovery. Their experienced and compassionate team offers personalized support and evidence-based treatment to guide individuals toward stability, healing, and long-term recovery. In moments of crisis, the right support can make all the difference.