Developing and implementing a crisis intervention team takes the work of law enforcement officers, advocates and the mental health community. These specially trained police officers are called in to situations involving mental health crises by the responding officers at the scene.
What does CIT training include?
A 40‐hour training program for law enforcement personnel that includes basic information about mental illness, information about the local mental health system and local policies, interaction with consumers and family members to learn about their experiences, verbal de‐escalation techniques and strategies, and role‐ …
How do I get CIT certified?
Interested program administrators complete an online questionnaire and submit supporting documentation for a team of CIT International evaluators to determine and award the certification level. The certification is valid for three years. The program will receive a summary report and feedback.
What is crisis intervention training for police officers?
Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT) aim to improve the outcomes of police interactions with individuals with a mental illness. The programme provides training and resources for police officers on mental illness, local mental health systems and laws.
Does CIT training work?
Much research has shown an improvement in attitudes and a reduction of stigma in police officers who received mental health training. A survey of police officers indicated that CIT-trained officers perceived themselves as less likely to escalate to the use of force in a hypothetical mental health crisis encounter.
How long is CIT certification good for?
three years
The certification is valid for three years.
What are CIT officers?
The lack of mental health crisis services across the U.S. has resulted in law enforcement officers serving as first responders to most crises. A Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program is an innovative, community-based approach to improve the outcomes of these encounters.
What is CIT certification?
The Certified Instructional Trainer (CIT) is a certification held by those with experience and expertise in developing, designing, and delivering safety, health, and environmental training.
Do CIT programs work?
What’s the evidence that it’s effective? Yes, the research shows that CIT improves officer safety, improves officer attitudes to people with serious mental illness, and increases referrals to mental health services.
What kind of mental health training does the Tucson Police Department offer?
All TPD sworn personnel have completed Mental Health First Aid Training, and many have completed a 40-hour Crisis Intervention Training. The Tucson Police Department has specialized units dedicated to helping connect people with resources: the Homeless Outreach Team, the Mental Health Support Team, and the Substance Use Resource Team.
How does the Phoenix Police Department use CIT?
The Phoenix Police Department has several hundred CIT trained officers working as 1st responders. In addition, there are two full-time CIT squads who collaborate with behavioral health partners to connect members of the community to the proper crisis services.
What can a crisis mobile team do for You?
They can reach out to the person by phone or in person with behavioral health professionals. They can also assess when a situation may be dangerous and call police to respond. If a patient has missed an appointment and you want someone to check their welfare, call the Crisis Line and request a Crisis Mobile Team respond.
