Mission Police Department Partners with UTRGV School of Medicine for Suicide Prevention Training Thursday

Mission, TX – In a proactive effort to address mental health challenges within the community, the Mission Police Department  partnered with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) School of Medicine to host PROSPER training—an evidence-based program designed to equip law enforcement officers and agents with the skills needed to respond effectively to individuals in mental health crises. On Thursday, May 29th, Mission Police invited neighboring agencies such as Brownsville PD, Pharr PD, U.S. Border Patrol and other departments to share the resources and training to ensure the safety of all residents of the Rio Grande Valley.

The PROSPER training, a comprehensive eight-hour course, empowers participants with knowledge in suicide risk assessment, clinical decision-making, and intervention strategies. This collaboration reflects the City of Mission’s ongoing commitment to mental health awareness and public safety.

UTRGV offers suicide prevention education through several programs, including the Campus Suicide Prevention Program (CSPP), which focuses on raising awareness and providing training to students, staff, and faculty. CSPP aligns with national best practices outlined in the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention.

The partnership between Mission PD and UTRGV emphasizes the importance of mental health training in frontline response roles, ensuring officers are equipped not only to protect but to connect individuals in crisis with the support they need.

“By investing in this type of mental health training, we are prioritizing compassion, preparedness, and community care,” said Mission Police Chief Cesar Torres. “The PROSPER program equips our officers with the tools they need to recognize the warning signs of mental health crises, respond with empathy, and connect individuals to the right resources—whether it’s someone experiencing suicidal thoughts, severe emotional distress, or any other mental health concern. Our goal is to ensure that every person in crisis is met with understanding, support, and a pathway to help.”