Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department underwent de-escalation training last week with year anniversary of Sonya Massey killing in the offing

As the community approaches the one-year mark of the death of Sonya Massey – who was shot in her home in July of 2024 by former Sangamon County Deputy Sean Grayson after making a call for help to report a suspected prowler – law enforcement continues working toward greater local trust.

Last week, the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department underwent de-escalation training, known as ICAT, Integrating Communications Assessment and Tactics.

The Police Executive Research Union created this program so that law enforcement agencies would be well-equipped to respond to mental health or crisis calls.

In light of the death of Massey, Sangamon County Sheriff Paula Crouch now requires her deputies to attend this training.