1. Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)
National Institute of Corrections
Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)
CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAM:
A Frontline Response to Working with People with Mental Illness
Presented by: Michele Saunders, LCSW
Chair, Florida CIT Coalition
Crisis Intervention Teams

2. AGENDA
Law enforcement and corrections as stakeholders in the mental health system
What is Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)?
Why do CIT: The benefits of CIT

3. The Problem 1955, 560,000 in State Psychiatric Facilities
Today, less than 60,000 in
State Facilities
Today, more than 1.9 million people
with a mental illness are in our jails and prisons

4. The Problem
In Florida, law enforcement officers respond to more Involuntary commitment calls than they did for burglaries and DUI’s (2003)
Inadequate funding of the community
mental health and substance abuse
system
De-institutionalization from State
Psychiatric Hospitals =
Re-institutionalization to Jails
and Prisons

6. Today’s News Headlines
Cop prevents suicide days after crisis intervention training
Tanisha Anderson's family wants better mental-health training for police 
Portland Police Set New Standard For Dealing With Mentally Ill
Mental Illness cases swamp criminal justice system: The cost of not caring
Crisis Intervention Team saves lives on mental health 911 calls
Inside a Mental Hospital called Jail
Tucson PD unit says mentally ill need help, not handcuffs

8. CIT What is CIT? Effective Crisis Response for “First Responders”
Developed by Memphis Police Dept.; Originated as Patrol Based; Pre-booking Diversion; OFFICER SAFETY
Specialized training for handling mental health crises and to prevent crises

9. CIT: The Core Elements
Partnerships among law enforcement, corrections, mental health providers and advocacy groups
Policies and Procedures outlining roles and responsibilities and implementation process
Selection of deputies – volunteer deputies, all vs. select
40 Hour training for deputies; training for dispatch

10. Scenario based – Role Plays
KNOWLEDGE
EXPERIENCING, SENSITIZING, BUILDING EMPATHY
EXPERIENTAL, PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Understanding Mental Illnesses
Medications
Assessing for Suicide and Suicide Prevention
Substance Abuse/Co-occurring
Developmental Disabilities
Baker Act
Marchman Act
Hearing Voices exercise
Field visits
Meeting with consumers
Family perspective
Communication skills
De-escalation
Scenario based – Role Plays
Feedback

11. Core Elements of CIT Identification of a CIT Coordinator
User Friendly Mental Health Emergency Services (internal and external)
Program Evaluation through data collection and reporting
On-going, in-service training
Recognition of CIT officers – CIT Pin, annual recognition, certificates, etc.

12. The Team of CIT Operational Team Leadership Team Command Staff
Mental Health Administrators
Advocacy Organizations (NAMI)
Operational Team
CIT officer
Mental Health Front Line
Consumer
Family

13. The CIT Deputy Compassion Excellent listening skills Empathy
Resourcefulness
Patience
Willingness to learn more
Experience (practical application)

14. Implementation For Law Enforcement
Train approximately 25% of force (approx 2 per shift/per sector)
Rural areas may have more
Deputies are generalist/specialists
CIT Deputy in Charge of scene
Dispatch is trained on CIT
Working relationship with the local mental health hospital

15. Implementation For Corrections
Staffing for high risk areas and general pop.
CIT trained officer are in charge of situation
Shift change reporting, frequent exchange of information throughout shifts

16. Implementation for Corrections
Team meetings, briefings, rounds
CIT trained officers available to help in other areas
CIT trained staff (officers, mental health and medical staff) will provide support and education to inmates

17. Benefits of CIT Trained deputies for an immediate response
Reduced injury – deputy, inmate, consumer
Better connection for person with mental illness to connect to mental health services
Increased staff confidence/pride; morale; retention
Reduced liability (reduced use of force)

18. Benefits of CIT Decrease use of unnecessary use of force
Cost avoidance for the institution
Enhanced communication among systems
Positive Perception of Program
Strong partnerships for sustainability – internal and external

19. CIT In Florida Forty (45) Sheriff’s Offices
Approximately 150 Police Dept.
Several Corrections Dept.
Over 20,000 Deputies and Officers trained
Approved by FDLE as an advanced, post-academy training through its Specialized Goals and Objectives Handbook
Note: CIT is in over 40 states and in 3 countries

20. CIT is About… Leadership Determination and Persistence
Investment and Ownership
Knowledge of Model
Commitment to Model
Partnerships
Safety

21. CIT is More Than Just Training
Identity
Specialized Role
Ownership of the program
Improved Systems of Care
Team

23. SPECIAL NEEDS DESERVE SPECIAL CARE
C I T

24. Contact Information
Michele Saunders, LCSW
407/