CALHOUN COUNTY, MI (WTVB) – Calhoun County Sheriff Steve Hinkley has developed a program that allows law enforcement deputies who have served in the military to wear pins on their patrol uniform that signify which branch of military they served in and that they’re a veteran.
Veterans can be dealing with unseen troubles, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, a traumatic brain injury, depression, and other mental health concerns that arise from their time in the military and having to adjust to civilian life.
Law enforcement professionals are trained to respond, especially in Calhoun County with the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training by Summit Pointe, which helps law enforcement identify and appropriately handle mental health struggles in crisis situations.
The hope is that the pins can create trust and comfort with the veteran immediately, so they know they’re working with someone who might have a better understanding of their situation.
Hinkley says, “In a crisis moment with a veteran, we want them to quickly recognize they are working with a deputy who has also served in the military and may have a better understanding of what they are experiencing. We hope this builds bridges with our veterans in all types of situations.”
The pins were chosen and purchased in partnership with Calhoun County Veterans Affairs. Pins are available for deputies from all branches of military, and there is a general “Veteran” pin for those who have served in multiple branches or don’t wish to identify which branch they served in.
Solutions are being considered for deputies in the jail to also identify whether they’re a veteran that does not include having a pin.
