RNC officers going through mental health training

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary's deputy chief says every member of the police force is being put through mental health first aid training. 

Ab Singleton made the comments in response to a CBC Investigates story, in which a provincial court judge slammed RNC Const. Lisa Harris for the way she handled a mental health call several years ago.

​Harris threatened to pepper spray a man in Torbay who said he was going to harm himself, and told him to "f--k off." 

The comments made by Harris were captured on the recording of the initial 911 call. 

Judge James Walsh said Harris and her partner failed to assess the situation properly

Walsh added that Harris's behaviour was shocking, because she had already been reprimanded for mishandling an incident involving a teenager with autism in 2009. 

100 officers have taken training

While the RNC won't comment directly on the Harris matter, Singleton said mental health training began in February and includes all members and civilian employees.

So far, only 100 members of the force have undergone the training, which teaches people how to spot someone having a mental issue, and how to deal with the situation properly.

Singleton said there are 24 mental health first aid instructors in the province — and seven of them are with the RNC. 

He also said it is part of the RNC's corporate plan to enhance its response to people with mental health issues.