Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)
Benefits of Having a Crisis Intervention Team
Before CIT:
• Police were not prepared to deal with the mentally ill.
• Family members of the mentally ill distrusted police (police were only called after situations escalated beyond their control).
• Criminal Justice and Mental Health systems were adversaries.
• Police response often resulted in arrest and injuries.
After CIT:
• Crisis response: Immediate
• Officers are highly skilled in verbal de-escalation techniques.
• Family members of the mentally ill request CIT officers in situations.
• A partnership provides solutions to mental health issues.
• Most patients are taken to medical facilities without injury or charges.