GADSDEN, Ala. (WBRC) – The Gadsden State Community College Police Department is taking steps to address mental health issues on campus and in the community.
A member of staff will be part of a dedicated task force to assess and ensure services are accessible where needed.
It’s called the Mobile Crisis Assistance Team (MCAT), and their job is to increase safety on Gadsden State University’s campus while providing resources to the community.
“If it’s an emotional issue then of course I’ll be there and help in any way I can or at least connect you with people who can give you the assistance you need,” Sergeant David Bankson said.
Gadsden Police Chief Jay Freeman said officers must be able to recognize when someone is experiencing a mental crisis and respond with compassion and understanding.
“Every day we deal with individuals who are experiencing mental health issues, it starts on our campus and it spreads out into the larger community, and we want to be able to help those individuals,” Chief Freeman said.
Sergeant David Bankson, who oversees the Gadsden Police and Department of Public Safety’s Ayers and Cherokee County campuses, was recently sworn in to join the Mobile Crisis Assistance Team.
“I’m trained in a particular area and I guess you could say I’m gifted at working with people who have mental issues and emotional issues about a variety of things,” Sergeant Bankson said.
Sergeant Bankson, a former school resource officer, says the idea is to help students take control of small problems before they become big ones.
“A lot of it is about the emotional side of things, a bit of a breakdown from various life issues so we deal with it on a case by case basis,” Sergeant Bankson said.
Gadsden officials say the task force will be made up of mental health officials, the Etowah County Probate Office and emergency personnel to ensure people get the help they need.
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