Associated Press - October 16, 2009 10:55 AM ET

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - The first group of Laramie County law enforcement and security workers to attend a program designed to teach them how to help people in times of mental crisis have graduated.

Officers with the Cheyenne Police Department, Laramie County Sheriff's Department, F.E. Warren Air Force Base and Laramie County Community College Security attended the program.

The officers were trained on how to de-escalate situations and how to identify and help people who are having a mental crisis, assisting them in getting the treatment they need without involving the criminal justice system.

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