CORRECTIONAL OFFICER TRAINING ON DE-ESCALATION, CRISIS INTERVENTION, AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

(a) This section applies to: (1) a correctional officer employed by the department; and (2) a department employee responsible for the direct supervision of correctional officers described by Subdivision (1). (b) To facilitate interaction with inmates, the department shall provide employees described by Subsection (a) training on: (1) de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques; and (2) behavioral health. (c) The training described by Subsection (b)(1) must include information regarding: (1) effective communication; (2) employing alternatives to physical restraints, including the availability and proper use of tools such as shields, chemical dispensing devices, and less-lethal force weapons; (3) techniques for limiting the use of force resulting in bodily injury; (4) proper utilization of necessary resources, including lighting; (5) safety techniques during cell extractions; (6) fundamental lifesaving procedures; and (7) necessary personnel involvement. (d) The training described by Subsection (b)(2) must include information regarding: (1) effective communication and intervention; (2) increased awareness of persons with behavioral health concerns, substance use disorders, or intellectual and developmental disabilities; (3) crisis recognition, prevention, and response; (4) suicide risk and prevention; and (5) access to employee assistance programs available to correctional officers. (e) The training required by this section must be included in the department's preservice training for correctional officers and completed annually by employees described by Subsection (a).