The global landscape of law enforcement and mental health intervention is steadily evolving, with Crisis Intervention Team International (CITI) playing a vital role in shaping effective and humane responses to mental health crises. As mental health emergencies become a pressing concern worldwide, CITI supports the establishment, training, and development of crisis intervention teams across borders, fostering safer communities and compassionate care.
What Is Crisis Intervention Team International?
Crisis Intervention Team International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the CIT model worldwide. Based on the proven American CIT framework, CITI helps communities implement evidence-based crisis intervention programs aimed at law enforcement officers, first responders, and mental health professionals.
CITI provides standards, training curricula, leadership support, and global networking opportunities. Their mission centers on bridging gaps between public safety and mental health care to improve outcomes for individuals experiencing crisis and reduce negative encounters with law enforcement.
Core Objectives of Crisis Intervention Team International
CITI’s work revolves around several essential goals:
-
Supporting the development of Crisis Intervention Teams adapted to local cultural and legal contexts.
-
Providing a standardized but flexible 40-hour CIT training curriculum for officers and trainers.
-
Facilitating knowledge exchange among CIT program leaders globally.
-
Advocating for mental health awareness, de-stigmatization, and integrated community-based care.
-
Engaging families, mental health consumers, clinicians, and law enforcement in collaborative solutions.
International adoption of the CIT model highlights CITI’s role in disseminating best practices and ensuring consistent quality across diverse jurisdictions.
How Crisis Intervention Team International Enhances Local Programs
CITI supports jurisdictions in creating or enhancing CIT programs by offering resources such as:
-
The internationally recognized 40-hour training curriculum that balances theory and practical scenario exercises.
-
Train-the-Trainer workshops to empower local experts in delivering high-quality instruction.
-
Program development tools to align CIT efforts with community needs and stakeholder input.
-
Opportunity for participation in international conferences and peer exchanges to stay updated with evolving innovations.
This comprehensive support framework enables law enforcement agencies worldwide to develop specialized teams tailored for effectively managing mental health crises.
The Importance of CIT Training and Collaboration
Crisis Intervention Team training—central to CITI’s mission—is designed to equip officers with critical knowledge about mental illness, de-escalation tactics, legal frameworks, and community resources. This training fosters empathy, improves communication, and prioritizes safety, making it crucial in reducing use-of-force incidents.
CITI also focuses on fostering collaboration beyond law enforcement. Mental health providers, social workers, family members, and individuals with lived experience are all involved in the training and operational framework, ensuring a holistic approach to crisis management.
Global Impact and Success Stories
The international expansion of the CIT model has led to measurable improvements in mental health crisis interventions across multiple countries. Some benefits broadly observed include:
-
Reduction in arrests and violence during mental health-related calls.
-
Increased treatment referrals and community support connections.
-
Enhanced public trust in law enforcement’s approach to mental health.
Countries adopting CIT programs report safer environments for both officers and citizens, improved crisis outcomes, and advancing mental health awareness within policing cultures.
Challenges and Future Directions for CIT International
While the CIT model has gained international recognition, challenges remain. Adapting training and protocols to diverse legal systems, resource limitations, and cultural attitudes toward mental illness requires ongoing effort.
CITI is committed to addressing these hurdles by:
-
Adjusting training materials for cultural competence and inclusivity.
-
Promoting continuous professional development and research.
-
Advocating for funding and policy support to sustain CIT initiatives.
-
Encouraging technology integration and mobile crisis services as complements to CIT.
These efforts will help CIT International maintain its leadership role in nurturing global improvements in mental health crisis response.
Read More: The Future of Crisis Intervention Teams in U.S. Law Enforcement
Learn More About Crisis Intervention Team International
For law enforcement agencies, mental health advocates, and community leaders seeking to join or learn from this global movement, Crisis Intervention Team International offers comprehensive resources, program guides, and training opportunities at their official site: CIT International.
