About Crisis Intervention Teams

what is cit?

The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program is a community partnership of law enforcement, mental health and addiction professionals, individuals who live with mental illness and/or addiction disorders, their families, and other partners to improve community responses to mental health crises. While CIT programs are known for CIT-trained officers, successful programs also focus on enhancing the crisis response system, advocating for needed services, and strengthening partnerships across the community. The CIT model, known as the “Memphis Model” was first developed in 1988 and since has spread throughout the United States and several nations worldwide. In 2008, the CIT founders, Dr. Randy Dupont and Major Sam Cochran (ret.), led the convening of members of successful CIT programs from throughout the United States. These individuals became the founding board members of CIT International.

CIT is a program that provides the foundation necessary to promote community and statewide solutions to assist individuals with mental illness and/or addictions. The CIT Model reduces stigma and the need for further involvement with the criminal justice system. CIT provides a forum for effective problem-solving regarding the interaction between the criminal justice and mental health care system and creates the context for sustainable change.

Research shows that communities that are prescribed to the CIT Program model have higher success rates in resolving serious crises.

Collaboration, performance, plan, teamwork, synergy, success, win-win

The Memphis Model

Developed in Memphis, TN in 1988; in response to community tragedy
Key characteristics of the Memphis Model:

Community partnerships
Specialized officer training
Emphasis on de-escalating crisis situations
Focus on routing to community service provides rather than jail
Improving and expanding crisis response and service systems

what are the goals of crisis intervention teams?

improve safety

with the Community, for Persons with lived experience, and Law Enforcement.

provide tools

to Law Enforcement to properly handle behavioral health and I/DD crises.

Make Accessible

Behavioral health and I/DD systems become understandable and accessible.

Divert Those with Disabilities

from Criminal Justice & Juvenile Justice system, when it’s appropriate to do so.

Develop the most compassionate and effective crisis response system that is the least intrusive in a person’s life.

To help persons with mental disorders and/or addictions access medical/mental health treatment rather than place them in the criminal justice system due to illness-related behaviors.

The CIT Program, based on the “Memphis Model,” has been spreading across the U.S. and abroad since 1988. A sound CIT program based on the Best Practice Guide will help strengthen your community in working together to help people who live with mental illness and/or addictions who are in crisis; it will also improve your community’s mental health system, save lives, and bring hope and recovery to those in need. A strong CIT Program (and not just training) will sustain for years to come.

Background

479,000

people with mental illness
in Jails (2012)

705,600

people with mental illness
in state prisons (2012)

78,800

people with mental illness
in federal prisons (2012)

246

fatal police contacts
nationwide (2017)

216,000

people with mental illness
who are homeless

benefits of cit

Reduced injuries. CIT training can help reduce injuries to officers and mental health consumers during interactions. It can also reduce the need for force, shortening officers’ time in rehabilitation, court, or internal affairs investigations.
Fewer arrests. CIT training can lead to fewer arrests of people with mental illness. Instead, officers can redirect people to the services and support they need to stabilize, recover, and reduce their contact with police.
Improved officer safety. CIT training can give officers more tools and guidelines to help them do their jobs safely and effectively. It can also help officers develop a more humane and calm approach.
Increased mental health services. CIT training can increase the likelihood that people with mental illness will receive the services they need. It can also help bring together community leaders to address gaps in mental health resources.
Cost savings. CIT training can lead to cost savings for police departments and their cities. Jails and prisons are not mental health treatment facilities, so keeping people with mental illness out of jail can save money.
More time for patrol. Officers who spend less time on mental health calls and are involved in investigations can more efficiently return to the field for patrol.
Reduced stigma. CIT training can help overcome negative stereotypes and stigma associated with mental illness.

cit impact

“this course was one of the best that i have taken. The job of a police Officer has changed greatly in my 28 years. CIT training should be a component of all police academies. Many of these topics should be offered at in-service for the Veteran Officer.”

—Officer John McCarthy,
Beverly Police Department
28 Years of Service