Police crisis intervention team

Police Crisis Intervention Team

A mobile crisis team vehicle

A Police Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) is a specialized unit within a law enforcement agency designed to improve the response to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. These teams are trained to de-escalate situations involving individuals with mental illness, substance use disorder, or other behavioral health issues, aiming to reduce the potential for violence and improve outcomes for all parties involved.

History

The concept of the Police Crisis Intervention Team originated in Memphis, Tennessee in 1988 following a tragic incident involving a person with mental illness. The Memphis Police Department developed the CIT model in collaboration with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), local mental health providers, and other community stakeholders. This model has since been adopted by numerous police departments across the United States and internationally.

Structure and Training

CIT programs typically involve a partnership between law enforcement agencies, mental health providers, and advocacy groups. Officers who volunteer for CIT receive specialized training that includes:

• Understanding Mental Illness: Officers learn about various mental health disorders, their symptoms, and how they can affect behavior.
• De-escalation Techniques: Training focuses on communication skills and strategies to safely de-escalate potentially volatile situations.
• Cultural Competency: Officers are trained to recognize and respect cultural differences that may impact interactions with individuals in crisis.
• Legal Issues: Training includes information on the legal aspects of dealing with mental health crises, including involuntary commitment laws.

Goals and Benefits

The primary goal of CIT is to improve the safety of both officers and individuals in crisis. Benefits of CIT programs include:

• Reduced Use of Force: By employing de-escalation techniques, CIT officers can often resolve situations without resorting to force.
• Improved Access to Mental Health Services: CIT programs facilitate connections between individuals in crisis and appropriate mental health services, reducing the likelihood of arrest and incarceration.
• Enhanced Community Relations: By demonstrating a commitment to understanding and addressing mental health issues, police departments can build trust within the community.

Challenges

Despite their benefits, CIT programs face several challenges:

• Resource Limitations: Implementing and maintaining CIT programs requires significant resources, including funding for training and staffing.
• Consistency in Training: Ensuring that all officers receive consistent and comprehensive training can be difficult, especially in larger departments.
• Coordination with Mental Health Services: Effective CIT programs require strong partnerships with local mental health providers, which can be challenging to establish and maintain.

Related Pages

• Mental health
• Law enforcement
• De-escalation
• Substance use disorder