Crisis intervention team (CIT)

Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) programs are a collaborative approach to responding to mental health crises that involve law enforcement officers and mental health providers. CIT programs aim to improve the outcomes of these encounters by increasing communication and cooperation between the two groups, as well as by reducing the use of force and increasing the likelihood that individuals will receive the mental health care they need. There are a number of ways in which a CIT approach can improve lines of communication and crisis intervention outcomes. First, CIT training helps law enforcement officers to better understand mental illness and the signs and symptoms of a mental health crisis. This understanding can help officers to de-escalate situations and avoid using force. Second, CIT training teaches officers how to interact with individuals in crisis in a respectful and compassionate manner. This can help to build trust between officers and individuals in crisis, which can make it more likely that individuals will cooperate with officers and seek the help they need. Third, CIT programs often include a component that facilitates collaboration between law enforcement and mental health providers. This collaboration can help to ensure that individuals in crisis receive the right type of care at the right time. There is a growing body of evidence that CIT programs are effective in improving the outcomes of encounters between law enforcement and individuals in crisis. For example, a study by the National Institute of Justice found that CIT-trained officers were significantly less likely to use force than officers who had not received CIT training. The study also found that CIT-trained officers were more likely to refer individuals in crisis to mental health treatment. Overall, a CIT approach can improve lines of communication and crisis intervention outcomes by increasing understanding, cooperation, and collaboration between law enforcement and mental health providers. This can help to ensure that individuals in crisis receive the help they need in a safe and respectful manner. Here are some specific examples of how a CIT approach can improve lines of communication and crisis intervention outcomes:

• A CIT-trained officer may be able to de-escalate a situation by using de-escalation techniques that are specific to mental illness. For example, the officer may be able to talk to the individual in crisis in a calm and reassuring manner, or they may be able to use humor to help the individual relax.
• A CIT-trained officer may be able to build trust with an individual in crisis by being respectful and compassionate. This can make it more likely that the individual will cooperate with the officer and seek the help they need.
• A CIT-trained officer may be able to refer an individual in crisis to a mental health provider who is familiar with the individual's specific needs. This can help to ensure that the individual receives the right type of care at the right time.

By improving lines of communication and crisis intervention outcomes, CIT programs can help to make our communities safer and healthier.

Sample Solution

Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) programs are a collaborative approach to responding to mental health crises that involve law enforcement officers and mental health providers.