Crisis Intervention Training
Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) is a community program and a curriculum designed to improve responses to mental health crises by equipping law enforcement officers with knowledge of mental health, de-escalation techniques, and community resource awareness. The goal is to divert individuals experiencing crises from the criminal justice system toward appropriate mental health services, foster involves collaboration with mental health professionals, individuals with lived experience, and community members.
Key Aspects of CIT Training
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Content:
Training covers mental health conditions, substance use disorders, intellectual disabilities, co-occurring disorders, trauma, and PTSD.
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Skills:
Officers learn communication skills, de-escalation techniques, and how to assess risk.
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Community Involvement:
The program emphasizes building relationships between law enforcement, mental health services, and community members.
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Resources:
Officers learn about available community services and how to connect individuals with them.
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Diverting from Jail:
A primary outcome is diverting individuals from jails and emergency rooms to mental health facilities.
Benefits of CIT
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Improved Officer and Public Safety:
Training aims to reduce injuries and harm during crisis calls by promoting de-escalation.
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Increased Access to Services:
CIT increases the likelihood of individuals with mental illness receiving needed treatment rather than facing arrest.
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Better Community-Police Relations:
Fosters trust and understanding between law enforcement and community members, including those with mental illness.
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Cost Savings:
Focuses on treatment over incarceration, potentially saving communities money.
