Mental health emergencies present unique challenges that require specialized, compassionate responses to prevent harm. Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT) have emerged worldwide as a transformative solution, equipping law enforcement and first responders with the training and resources to save lives. By combining safety protocols with empathetic intervention, CIT programs help de-escalate crises, promote treatment, and protect the dignity of those in need.
What Are Crisis Intervention Teams?
Crisis Intervention Teams are specialized groups of police officers and first responders trained to handle mental health emergencies with understanding and expertise. Rather than relying solely on traditional law enforcement tactics, CIT officers collaborate closely with mental health professionals to:
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De-escalate volatile situations
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Minimize the use of force
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Facilitate referrals to appropriate care
Since their origin in Memphis, Tennessee in the late 1980s, CIT programs have expanded across the U.S. and internationally. These teams are now integral to managing calls involving psychosis, suicidal ideation, substance use, and emotional crises.
The Life-Saving Role of CIT Programs
Traditional policing methods can sometimes escalate mental health crises, increasing the risk of injury or death. CIT programs address these challenges by:
Rapid De-escalation: Officers use verbal and non-verbal communication techniques to calm agitated individuals and reduce immediate threats.
Reducing Use-of-Force Incidents: Understanding the effects of mental illness helps officers avoid unnecessary force, protecting both themselves and those in crisis.
Increasing Access to Treatment: CIT officers often divert individuals from arrest or incarceration, connecting them to mental health services for ongoing care.
Improving Public Trust: Compassionate interventions build stronger community confidence in law enforcement and public safety systems.
Training That Makes a Difference
CIT officers undergo intensive training, typically lasting at least 40 hours, covering:
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Recognition of mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and PTSD
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Effective crisis communication and de-escalation strategies
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Coordination with mental health providers, emergency departments, and crisis centers
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Legal and ethical guidelines, including patient rights and involuntary commitment laws
This comprehensive education prepares officers to act as mental health first responders, capable of handling diverse and complex emergency situations.
Real-World Impact of CIT Programs
Research shows that CIT programs significantly improve outcomes:
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Fewer fatal encounters during mental health crises
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Reduced injuries to both officers and individuals
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Increased referrals to treatment rather than incarceration
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Lower recurrence of crisis incidents due to better follow-up care
For example, the Memphis CIT program, where the model began, recorded a 75% reduction in arrests of people with mental illness and a notable decrease in use-of-force incidents.
Crisis Intervention Team International (CITI)
Crisis Intervention Team International (CITI) promotes the global adoption of CIT programs by:
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Providing standardized training curricula adaptable to local legal and cultural contexts
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Offering leadership guidance and support networks
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Facilitating knowledge-sharing through conferences and forums
By fostering international cooperation, CITI helps communities implement effective CIT programs that save lives beyond the U.S.
Read More: Everything You Should Know About Crisis Intervention Team CIT Programs
How Communities Can Support CIT Programs
The success of Crisis Intervention Teams programs depends on strong community involvement, which can include:
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Funding and legislative support to sustain training and programs
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Partnerships between law enforcement, mental health agencies, families, and advocacy groups
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Public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma around mental illness
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Volunteer and peer support programs to complement CIT responders
Such collaborative approaches ensure that mental health crises are met with care, empathy, and professional expertise rather than control alone.
