Anthony Williams, the lieutenant of operations with the Northwest Missouri State University Police Department (UPD), recently completed a six-month term as regional coordinator of the Missouri Behavioral Health Council (MBHC).

Williams began his term Feb. 1, and the appointment ended June 30. In the role, he assisted the Missouri Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training coordinator and other regional coordinators to promote and expand CIT programs throughout the state. Williams assisted with coordinating and role-playing at CIT trainings in addition to participating in Missouri CIT council meetings and working committee meetings.

“What I gained from being the coordinator is an understanding of procedures when it comes to mental health and the community mental health agencies we partner with to provide service,” said Williams, who also is a member of the Northwest CIT.

Williams said serving as a regional coordinator for MBHC helped him grow his network of resources and better understand obstacles confronting mental health partners and law enforcement agencies.

“The majority of the job is building those bridges and connecting the right people,” Williams said. “Being a part of CIT has been a tremendous benefit for UPD. CIT has helped us find partners like the Family Guidance Center to provide an embedded counselor, free training for our officers in mental health, and the network and professional recognition we have built with other agencies outside our area.”

Williams, who has served with Northwest’s University Police Department for 12 years, is a recipient of its Life Saving Award as well as Northwest’s Student Impact Award and Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion Award. He also has been recognized by the International Association of Chiefs of Police as one of its “20 under 40” honorees and by the Greater Maryville Chamber of Commerce as one of its “Top 5 Under 35.”

He has a bachelor’s degree in corporate recreation from Northwest as well as a master’s degree in business administration. He also was employed with UPD as a student security officer as an undergraduate student.

In 2019, Williams completed training at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, graduating with a class of 258 law enforcement officers representing 37 countries, four military organizations and six federal civilian organizations.