All Savannah-Chatham police officers are set to train in how to deal with mental health issues, the Savannah Morning News reports.

Officers are taking a 40-hour, state-funded course introduced by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. GBI agents and State Patrol troopers already take the course.

The training focuses on de-escalating tense situations through communication, which can reduce the likelihood officers will use force. Officials say the idea isn’t for officers to recognize or diagnose mental illness, but to realize when a situation might require a different approach.

As part of the course, officers hear from area mental health professionals - and people with mental health issues sharing their stories of negative interactions with police.

Tags: Savannah Police Department, mental health