As part of our community collaboration initiatives, Optima Care is now offering placements in our services to local police officer trainees.
This represents a great opportunity for local police to gain insight and experience of individuals with learning disabilities, including autism plus mental health issues and challenging behaviour. It will hopefully lead to a more understanding and tolerant community experience for all.
Our first trainee, PC Tristan Foster, on placement at The Chilterns, commented: “My perceptions around both mental ill health and offenders have been challenged by my experiences at The Chilterns. I feel that I have really benefitted from my placement…”. And of the staff: “I was impressed by the knowledge and compassion displayed.”
The next police officer trainee starts a placement at Herne Bay Supported Living next week.
