The Crucial Role of Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) for Public Safety Telecommunicators

In times of crisis, our communities rely on the swift and efficient response of public safety personnel to protect and serve. Among these unsung heroes are public safety telecommunicators, the dedicated professionals who answer emergency calls and coordinate the critical first steps in crisis management. The ability to handle these high-stress situations effectively is of paramount importance, which is why Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) plays a pivotal role in enhancing the capabilities of these essential personnel.

Understanding the Role of Public Safety Telecommunicators

Public safety telecommunicators, also known as 911 dispatchers, public safety dispatcher, and communication technicians act as the lifeline between the public and emergency services. When individuals find themselves facing emergencies such as accidents, natural disasters, crimes, or mental health crises, they instinctively dial 911, seeking immediate help. In such situations, telecommunicators must stay composed, extract vital information, know exactly what resources are at their disposal and dispatch the appropriate response teams promptly. Their ability to effectively communicate with callers and first responders can be a matter of life and death.

The Need for Crisis Intervention Training (CIT)

Enhancing Crisis Communication: CIT equips telecommunicators with specialized skills to effectively communicate with distressed callers during critical incidents. They learn how to de-escalate emotionally charged situations, assess the caller's needs, and provide essential support until help arrives.

Recognizing Mental Health Crises: A significant percentage of emergency calls involve individuals experiencing mental health issues. CIT training empowers telecommunicators to identify signs of mental distress and respond with empathy and understanding. This not only ensures the safety of the individual in crisis but also helps divert them to appropriate mental health resources when needed.

Minimizing Officer Risk: By providing crucial information to first responders, telecommunicators can help mitigate risks and provide situational awareness before officers arrive on the scene. CIT training enables them to gather and relay vital details, ensuring a safer environment for both the public and the responders.

Reducing Liability and Improving Outcomes: Equipped with CIT skills, telecommunicators can make well-informed decisions, resulting in better outcomes for the individuals in crisis and the responders involved. This, in turn, helps mitigate potential liabilities for public safety agencies.

Collaboration and Teamwork: CIT training fosters better collaboration among public safety personnel, encouraging a cohesive approach to handling emergencies. Effective communication between telecommunicators and responders is vital for successful crisis management.

Trigon Training Group's CIT Program

Trigon Training Group recognizes the vital role played by public safety telecommunicators in crisis response. Our comprehensive CIT program is tailored to meet the specific needs of telecommunicators, addressing the challenges they face in their daily responsibilities. Our program covers a range of essential topics, including:

Crisis communication techniques

Active listening and empathy

Recognizing signs of mental health crises

De-escalation strategies

Stress management and self-care

Conclusion

Public safety telecommunicators are the unseen heroes who play a crucial role in emergency response. Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) provided by Trigon Training Group equips these professionals with the necessary skills to handle high-stress situations effectively. By enhancing their crisis communication abilities and fostering a deeper understanding of mental health issues, CIT empowers telecommunicators to provide critical support during emergencies. This not only ensures the safety and well-being of those in crisis but also contributes to a safer community as a whole. Embracing CIT is an investment in the resilience and efficiency of public safety agencies, enabling them to better serve and protect their communities. To learn more about Trigon Training Group's CIT program and its immense benefits, visit our website today.

The T Stands for Team.

Understanding CIT:

Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) is a specialized program designed to improve law enforcement's response to individuals experiencing mental health crises. CIT emphasizes de-escalation techniques, communication skills, and an understanding of mental health disorders. The primary goal is to divert individuals away from the criminal justice system and towards appropriate mental health services, promoting overall community well-being. CIT began in 2008 in Memphis TN through the work of Sam Cochran and Randy Dupont. Although there are many models and variances of CIT, the Memphis model is the most widely studied model. If you see a study citing statistics and success rates it is most likely the Memphis Model.

The Power of Partnerships:

CIT recognizes that law enforcement agencies cannot address mental health crises effectively in isolation. By forging partnerships with various stakeholders, CIT creates a network of support that enhances community responses to crises. These partnerships include mental health professionals, community organizations, social service agencies, local government, and individuals with lived experience. Each partner brings unique expertise and perspectives to the table, having different resources to contribute.

Defining the Mission:

Through partnerships, CIT helps clarify the mission. By collaborating with mental health professionals, officers gain valuable insights into the complexities of mental health issues and learn alternative strategies for crisis response. This knowledge empowers them to better assess situations, de-escalate crises, and connect individuals with appropriate resources, ultimately reducing the potential for violence or unnecessary arrests.

Community Engagement and Empowerment:

Partnerships formed through CIT foster community engagement and empower individuals within the community. By involving community organizations, advocacy groups, and individuals with lived experience, CIT ensures that the voices and needs of those affected by mental health issues are heard and incorporated into crisis response strategies. This collaborative approach builds trust between law enforcement and the community, ultimately promoting more effective and compassionate crisis intervention. An beautiful but unintended consequence of these partnerships is that a rich CIT program will destigmatize mental health issues within the Law Enforcement agency itself. Working routinely with theses partners, officers feel more comfortable reaching out to them for personal reasons. Sometimes it is about family and sometimes its about them.

Creating Specialized Crisis Response Teams:

A significant outcome of CIT partnerships is the creation of specialized crisis response teams. These teams often consist of law enforcement officers, mental health professionals, and other relevant stakeholders. By working together, these teams can provide a coordinated and comprehensive response to mental health crises. The involvement of mental health professionals ensures that individuals in crisis receive appropriate care and support, reducing the reliance on law enforcement as the sole responder. This happens because as agencies become more involved and actually understand how it impacts the community and departmental resources.

Access to Resources and Support:

Partnerships established through CIT facilitate access to a wide range of resources and support services within the community. By collaborating with social service agencies, mental health organizations, and community programs, law enforcement can connect individuals in crisis to the necessary resources for ongoing support and rehabilitation. This collaborative effort helps break the cycle of crisis and encourages a more holistic approach to mental health care. I can not tell you the number of times in trainings I have had officers come up to me and say, “I didn’t know we had that here.” Most officers have little knowledge about programs that are operating in their community. This program gives them exposure that they ordinarily would not have.

Clearing Up:

Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) is a powerful tool that equips law enforcement with the skills to respond effectively to mental health crises. However, its true strength lies in the partnerships it cultivates within the community. By fostering collaborations with mental health professionals, community organizations, and individuals with lived experience, CIT ensures a compassionate, holistic, and community-centered approach to crisis intervention. These partnerships enhance law enforcement's ability to provide support, connect individuals with appropriate resources, and promote overall community well-being. Together, through strong partnerships, we can build a more compassionate and resilient society

5 Things You Should Know About How to Tactically Disengage During a Mental Health Crisis.

As police officers we play a critical role in crisis intervention situations, often facing high-stress, volatile, and potentially dangerous circumstances. Our primary duty is to maintain public safety, it is equally important for officers to possess the knowledge and skills necessary to de-escalate situations and practice tactical disengagement when necessary. Tactical disengagement involves carefully withdrawing from a mental health crisis event, reducing confrontation, and minimizing the risk of harm to both officers and the individuals involved.

First, is to Recognize the Importance of Tactical Disengagement:

Tactical disengagement should be viewed as a valuable tool in an officer's crisis intervention toolkit. It aims to prevent the escalation of potentially violent situations and provides an opportunity for alternative, non-confrontational approaches to resolving conflicts. By understanding that tactical disengagement is not a sign of weakness but rather a strategic decision to prioritize safety, officers can make informed choices that align with their duty to protect and serve. Our first job should always be to not make things worse.

Second, is Assessing the Risk-Benefit Ratio:

Before implementing tactical disengagement, officers must conduct a thorough risk assessment. This involves evaluating the immediate danger posed to all parties involved and considering the potential consequences of continued engagement. Factors such as the presence of weapons, the mental state of the individuals, and the overall environment should be carefully analyzed. By weighing the risks against the benefits, officers can determine how and when to disengage tactically, ensuring a safer and more effective resolution.

Third We Should Maintain Effective Communication:

Clear and effective communication is essential during tactical disengagement. Officers should articulate their intention to disengage while remaining respectful and calm. It is crucial to provide clear instructions, reassurances, and alternative solutions, if possible, to encourage cooperation and reduce hostility. It’s also important to clearly articulate any safety boundaries that may exist. By establishing open lines of communication, officers can lay the groundwork for future engagement and a more positive outcome.

Fourth is to Employ De-escalation Techniques:

Tactical disengagement often goes hand in hand with de-escalation techniques. Officers should be trained in various de-escalation strategies, such as active listening, empathy, and maintaining a non-threatening posture. It is crucial that the person leading the communication efforts, label the emotion and employ mirroring throughout the incident. These techniques can help defuse tension, build rapport, and foster an environment conducive to resolving conflicts peacefully. By utilizing de-escalation skills alongside tactical disengagement, officers can reduce the need for force and improve the chances of a successful resolution.

Finally, We Have to Practice Self-Awareness and Officer Safety:

Officers must prioritize their own safety during crisis interventions. This includes recognizing personal stress levels, fatigue, and the impact of external factors on decision-making abilities. By remaining self-aware, officers can better manage their responses and avoid escalating volatile situations unintentionally. Understanding the importance of self-care, seeking support, and debriefing after challenging incidents is crucial for maintaining both physical and mental well-being. An important question to ask is who the best person that is here to perform this task. Don’t leave things up to chance, put your team in a position for positive outcomes.

Tactical disengagement plays a vital role in crisis intervention, enabling officers to navigate complex situations while prioritizing safety and minimizing harm. A quick assessment is to consider what crime has occurred, if any, and who is in danger. This will guide the urgency in resolving the issue.

By recognizing its importance, assessing risk, maintaining effective communication, employing de-escalation techniques, and prioritizing officer safety, law enforcement professionals can enhance their ability to resolve crises peacefully. Continued training and a commitment to ongoing improvement in crisis intervention techniques are essential for officers to provide the highest level of service and protect the communities they serve.