Benefits of Crisis Intervention Teams, Crisis intervention teams (CITs) have become essential in transforming how communities handle mental health emergencies. As behavioral health crises increasingly impact individuals and law enforcement, CIT programs offer a collaborative, evidence-based approach to improve outcomes. This article explores the many benefits of crisis intervention teams, explaining what CITs are, how they work, and the positive impact they have on individuals, officers, and communities.
What Is a Crisis Intervention Team?
A crisis intervention team is a multidisciplinary initiative primarily involving specially trained law enforcement officers working alongside mental health professionals to provide compassionate, effective responses to mental health crises. The goal is to reduce arrests and use of force while ensuring people receive appropriate care and support rather than punitive measures.
Originating in Memphis, Tennessee in the late 1980s, the CIT model has spread to more than 2,700 U.S. communities, becoming a pioneering approach to crisis response.
How Do Crisis Intervention Teams Work?
CITs function on several coordinated components:
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Specialized Officer Training: Officers receive intensive education on mental illness, crisis communication, de-escalation, and cultural competency.
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Crisis Call Identification: Dispatchers trained in CIT protocols prioritize mental health-related calls, assigning trained officers to respond.
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On-Scene De-escalation: CIT officers use verbal and interpersonal skills to defuse crisis situations, assess needs, and determine next steps.
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Partnerships and Referrals: Strong linkages with hospitals, mental health clinics, social services, and peer supports enable effective diversion from jail to care.
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Post-Crisis Engagement: Some CIT programs include follow-up and community outreach to support long-term stability and prevent recurrence.
This integrated approach fosters safety, dignity, and improved care continuity for individuals in crisis.
Key Benefits of Crisis Intervention Teams
1. Reduced Arrests and Criminalization of Mental Illness
CIT programs have consistently demonstrated effectiveness in diverting individuals experiencing behavioral health crises away from the criminal justice system. By providing alternatives to arrest, CITs help ensure people receive treatment instead of incarceration, reducing the burden on jails and courts.
2. Enhanced Officer and Public Safety
Officers trained through CIT experience lower rates of injury and encounter less resistance during crisis calls. These programs improve officer confidence in handling mental health emergencies safely and skillfully, which benefits public safety overall.
3. Improved Linkage to Mental Health Services
CITs facilitate access to mental health services by connecting individuals with hospitals, crisis centers, outpatient providers, and peer supports. This integrated care approach addresses underlying issues and promotes recovery, reducing repeat crises and emergency system strain.
4. Increased Community Trust and Collaboration
By responding with empathy and understanding, CIT officers build goodwill with communities, particularly among populations historically mistrustful of law enforcement. Collaborative partnerships with mental health and advocacy organizations create stronger, safer communities.
5. Cost Savings for Systems
Diversion from jail and emergency room visits results in significant cost savings for communities. Mental health treatment costs are generally lower than incarceration or repeated crisis hospitalization, allowing funds to be effectively reallocated to prevention and support programs.
6. Reduced Use of Force and Stigma
CIT-trained officers use de-escalation and respectful engagement rather than force, reducing trauma for individuals and communities. Education components of CIT also help reduce stigma surrounding mental illness within law enforcement and the public.
Real-World Evidence of CIT Benefits
Studies demonstrate that CIT programs increase officer knowledge and skills, reduce arrests related to mental illness, and improve crisis outcomes. For example, research from Chicago found CIT-trained officers were significantly more likely to resolve calls without arrest and reported greater ability to identify and communicate with people in crisis. Memphis CIT showed an 80% reduction in officer injuries during mental health crisis calls, underscoring safety benefits.
How to Support CIT Expansion and Sustainability
Ensuring CIT programs continue to deliver benefits requires:
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Ongoing Training: Regular refresher courses and expanded training strengthen skills and adapt to evolving community needs.
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Funding: Securing dedicated resources for training, crisis centers, and community supports is crucial.
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Data Tracking: Collecting program metrics drives continuous improvement and demonstrates impact to funders and policymakers.
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Community Involvement: Engaging stakeholders fosters buy-in and enhances program reach and relevance.
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Policy Integration: Embedding CIT principles in law enforcement policies and mental health regulations supports institutionalization of best practices.
Authoritative Resources
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides trusted resources on CIT programs, including implementation guidelines and advocacy support. Their work has been instrumental in promoting CIT nationwide.
Learn more at:
NAMI Crisis Intervention Team Programs.
Read More: The Future of Crisis Intervention Teams in U.S. Law Enforcement
Conclusion
Benefits of Crisis Intervention Teams, Crisis intervention teams offer a multi-faceted, evidence-based approach to improving responses to mental health crises. Their benefits span reduced arrests, enhanced officer and community safety, better health outcomes, and fiscal savings. As mental health challenges grow nationally, supporting and expanding CIT programs remains a critical strategy for building compassionate, safe, and resilient communities.
