Janet R. Oliva

System- and Policy-Level Challenges to Full Implementation of the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Model

The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) model of collaboration between law enforcement and mental health is widely recognized as being “more than just training” for police officers; the core elements of CIT include a number of other components. However, several system- and policy-level obstacles can make successful implementation of CIT difficult in many communities. Three such challenges are addressed in this article: insufficient training and policies for dispatchers, poor availability of psychiatric emergency receiving facilities, and complexities related to implementation of CIT in rural settings. Collaboratively addressing these and other challenges will undoubtedly advance the goals of CIT.

Crisis Intervention Team Training and Special Weapons and Tactics Callouts in an Urban Police Department

OBJECTIVE This study tested a hypothesized inverse correlation between the number of crisis intervention team (CIT) officers and the number of Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) callouts in an urban police department. METHODS Data for the number of accrued CIT-trained officers were combined with administrative data on the number of SWAT callouts during 27 four-month intervals. RESULTS There were no significant correlations for the relationships examined, and implementation of CIT training was not associated with a decrease in SWAT callouts. CONCLUSIONS Although the CIT model may yield important benefits in other domains, this study found no evidence of declining SWAT utilization as the number of CIT-trained officers accrued. The absence of association is likely due to the relatively low prevalence of SWAT use and the very different nature of CIT versus SWAT responses.

A Practical Overview of De-Escalation Skills in Law Enforcement: Helping Individuals in Crisis While Reducing Police Liability and Injury

Basic de-escalation skills training, such as that included in the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training curriculum, is a law enforcement training experience designed to equip police officers with knowledge and skills that enable them to initiate specific actions to de-escalate a crisis situation. This type of training involves the acquisition of effective communication and active listening skills, as well as other de-escalation techniques, in addition to role-playing, which involves the demonstration of and practice using the desired skills. De-escalation techniques can be an effective intervention tool that not only helps individuals who are in crisis but also reduces police liability and injury. When an officer applies de-escalation skills appropriately, the probability that he or she will effectively intervene in a crisis is increased and the need for using physical force is minimized.