Crisis Intervention Training

Definition

Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) is a specialized training program designed for law enforcement officers to enhance their skills in effectively responding to individuals experiencing mental health crises. This training emphasizes de-escalation techniques, communication strategies, and the importance of mental health awareness, ultimately aiming to reduce the need for force and improve outcomes for individuals in crisis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Crisis Intervention Training was developed in the 1980s in Memphis, Tennessee, as a response to incidents involving individuals with mental health issues and has since been adopted by law enforcement agencies across the country.
2. CIT programs typically include role-playing scenarios that help officers practice their response to real-life situations involving mental health crises.
3. The main goal of CIT is to connect individuals in crisis with appropriate mental health services rather than arresting them, thus promoting treatment over incarceration.
4. Studies have shown that officers who complete CIT are better equipped to handle situations involving mental health crises, resulting in fewer uses of force and reduced rates of injuries for both officers and individuals in crisis.
5. Successful implementation of CIT requires collaboration between law enforcement agencies, mental health professionals, and community organizations to create a supportive network for individuals experiencing crises.

Review Questions

• How does Crisis Intervention Training impact the relationship between law enforcement and individuals experiencing mental health crises?
  • Crisis Intervention Training impacts the relationship between law enforcement and individuals in mental health crises by equipping officers with skills focused on understanding, empathy, and effective communication. This training helps officers de-escalate tense situations and minimizes the likelihood of confrontation, fostering trust within the community. By prioritizing treatment over arrest, CIT encourages a collaborative approach that benefits both individuals experiencing crises and law enforcement.
• What are the key components of Crisis Intervention Training that differentiate it from traditional police training?
  • The key components of Crisis Intervention Training that differentiate it from traditional police training include a strong focus on mental health awareness, de-escalation techniques, and practical scenario-based exercises. While traditional police training often emphasizes law enforcement tactics and legal procedures, CIT specifically targets the unique challenges associated with responding to mental health crises. This specialized approach prepares officers not only to handle emergencies more effectively but also to connect individuals with necessary mental health resources.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of Crisis Intervention Training in reducing incidents of force used by police during encounters with individuals in crisis.
  • The effectiveness of Crisis Intervention Training in reducing incidents of force used by police during encounters with individuals in crisis can be evaluated through various studies that show significant reductions in both uses of force and injuries. These studies demonstrate that officers who undergo CIT are better able to manage high-stress situations by employing de-escalation strategies rather than resorting to physical intervention. The positive outcomes associated with CIT underscore its importance as part of broader police reform initiatives aimed at improving community relations and ensuring that vulnerable populations receive appropriate care rather than punitive responses.

Related terms

De-escalation:

A set of techniques used to reduce the intensity of a conflict or potentially violent situation, focusing on calming the individual and resolving the issue without resorting to force.

Mental Health Crisis: A situation in which an individual experiences a significant deterioration in mental health, often leading to severe distress, disorientation, or dangerous behavior.

Community Policing: A policing strategy that emphasizes building positive relationships and partnerships between law enforcement and community members to address public safety issues collaboratively.