Police and emergency responders participated in an intense training session Thursday that let them learn what it?s like to live as a person with mental health issues, through interactive lectures and workshops.

Kenneth Edwards, the chief instructor and statewide law enforcement CIT coordinator, says he puts his trainees through a series of workshops followed by a hands-on experience. The men and women wear headsets and complete given tasks while listening to ?voices.? Edwards says what the trainees hear is similar to what a mentally ill person might hear.

The session is meant to give insight to police officers so they can better understand how to interact with people who have mental health issues.

ConnecticutAlliance to Benefit Law Enforcement