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Michael T. Compton - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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law enforcement and mental health clinician partnerships in global mental health outcomes for the Crisis Intervention team cit model adaptation in liberia west africa
Global mental health (Cambridge England), 2020Co-Authors: Michael T. Compton, Mina Boazak, Sarah Yoss, Brandon A. Kohrt, Wilfred Gwaikolo, Pat Strode, Janice L. CooperAbstract:Background The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) model is a law enforcement strategy that aims to build alliances between the law enforcement and mental health communities. Despite its success in the United States, CIT has not been used in low- and middle-income countries. This study assesses the immediate and 9-month outcomes of CIT training on trainee knowledge and attitudes. Methods Twenty-two CIT trainees (14 law enforcement officers and eight mental health clinicians) were evaluated using pre-developed measures assessing knowledge and attitudes related to mental illness. Evaluations were conducted prior to, immediately after, and 9 months post training. Results The CIT training produced improvements both immediately and 9 months post training in knowledge and attitudes, suggesting that CIT can benefit law enforcement officers even in extremely low-resource settings with limited specialized mental health service infrastructure. Conclusion These findings support further exploration of the benefits of CIT in highly under-resourced settings.
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what research on Crisis Intervention teams tells us and what we need to ask
Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, 2019Co-Authors: Amy C Watson, Michael T. ComptonAbstract:Developed over 30 years ago, the Crisis Intervention Team model is arguably the most well-known approach to improve police response to individuals experiencing mental health Crisis. In this article, we comment on Rogers and colleagues' review (in this issue) of the CIT research base and elaborate on the current state of the evidence. We argue that CIT can be considered evidence based for officer level outcomes and call level dispositions. We then discuss the challenges that currently make it difficult to draw conclusions related to arrest, use of force, and injury related outcomes. More research, including a randomized, controlled trial is clearly needed. But we caution against focusing narrowly on the training component of the model, as CIT is more than training. We encourage research that explores and tests the potential of CIT partnerships to develop effective strategies that improve the mental health system's ability to provide Crisis response and thus reduce reliance on law enforcement to address this need.
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police officers volunteering for rather than being assigned to Crisis Intervention team cit training evidence for a beneficial self selection effect
Behavioral Sciences & The Law, 2017Co-Authors: Michael T. Compton, Beth Broussard, Roger Bakeman, Barbara Dorio, Amy C WatsonAbstract:Officers' volunteering for Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training—rather than being assigned—is assumed to be an important, beneficial self-selection bias. This bias remains poorly characterized, though CIT officers are more likely to be female and to have had exposure to the mental health field. We determined whether or not self-selection is beneficial with regard to knowledge, attitudes, and skills, as well as level of force used (i.e., no or low force versus any form of physical force) and disposition of subjects, in actual encounters. We compared CIT-trained officers who had volunteered with those who had been assigned using data from two prior, linked studies that compared CIT-trained and non-CIT officers on knowledge, attitudes, and skills (251 CIT-trained officers; 68% had volunteered), as well as behaviors (517 actual encounters provided by 91 CIT-trained officers; 70% had volunteered). Of 28 scores on knowledge, attitudes, and skills compared, six were statistically significantly different (p < .01) and another eight were marginally significant (.01 < p < .05). Furthermore, although CIT officers who had volunteered were more likely to report use of some form of physical force as we had defined it (which included the use of handcuffs), when they did so they were more likely to refer to treatment services and less likely to make an arrest. These effects were apparent even when taking into account effects of gender, having had exposure to the mental health field, empathy, and other covariates. In conclusion, we found evidence for benefits of self-selection/volunteering that should be further characterized, as it appears to be associated with better outcomes with regard to key attitudes, skills, and behaviors.
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the Crisis Intervention team cit model an evidence based policing practice
Behavioral Sciences & The Law, 2017Co-Authors: Amy C Watson, Michael T. Compton, Jeffrey DraineAbstract:As academic researchers, we are often asked to opine on whether the Crisis Intervention Team model (CIT) is an evidence-based practice (EBP) or evidence-based policing. Our answer is that it depends on how you define evidence-based practice and what outcome you are interested in. In this commentary, we briefly describe the CIT model, examine definitions of evidence-based practice and evidence-based policing, and then summarize the existing research on what is known about the effectiveness of CIT to date. We conclude that CIT can be designated an EBP for officer-level cognitive and attitudinal outcomes, but more research is needed to determine if CIT can be designated an EBP for other outcomes. Using an evidence-based practice process approach, CIT may also be a justified strategy for many communities. Future directions to inform the field are discussed.
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adapting the Crisis Intervention team cit model of police mental health collaboration in a low income post conflict country curriculum development in liberia west africa
American Journal of Public Health, 2015Co-Authors: Brandon A. Kohrt, Michael T. Compton, Pat Strode, Elise Blasingame, Samuel F Dakana, Benedict Dossen, Frank Lang, Janice L. CooperAbstract:Objectives. We sought to develop a curriculum and collaboration model for law enforcement and mental health services in Liberia, West Africa.Methods. In 2013 we conducted key informant interviews with law enforcement officers, mental health clinicians, and mental health service users in Liberia, and facilitated a 3-day curriculum workshop.Results. Mental health service users reported prior violent interactions with officers. Officers and clinicians identified incarceration and lack of treatment of mental health service users as key problems, and they jointly drafted a curriculum based upon the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) model adapted for Liberia. Officers’ mental health knowledge improved from 64% to 82% on workshop assessments (t = 5.52; P < .01). Clinicians’ attitudes improved (t = 2.42; P = .03). Six months after the workshop, 69% of clinicians reported improved engagement with law enforcement. Since the Ebola outbreak, law enforcement and clinicians have collaboratively addressed diverse public he...
Janet R Oliva - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the police based Crisis Intervention team cit model ii effects on level of force and resolution referral and arrest
Psychiatric Services, 2014Co-Authors: Michael T. Compton, Beth Broussard, Shaily Krishan, Janet R Oliva, Roger Bakeman, Dana Hankersondyson, Letheshia Husbands, Tarianna Stewarthutto, Barbara Dorio, Nancy J ThompsonAbstract:ObjectiveThe Crisis Intervention team (CIT) model is a widely implemented police-based program to improve officers’ responses to individuals with behavioral disorders. The authors examined levels of force used by officers with or without CIT training and disposition decisions in a large sample of encounters with individuals whom they suspected of having a serious mental illness, a drug or an alcohol problem, or a developmental disability.MethodsA total of 180 officers (91 with CIT training and 89 without) in six departments reported on 1,063 encounters, including level of force and disposition (resolution at the scene, referral or transport to services, or arrest).ResultsCIT training status was generally not predictive of level of force, although CIT-trained officers were significantly more likely to report verbal engagement or negotiation as the highest level of force used (odds ratio [OR]=2.00, p=.016). For CIT-trained officers, referral or transport was a more likely outcome (OR=1.70, p=.026) and arres...
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the police based Crisis Intervention team cit model i effects on officers knowledge attitudes and skills
Psychiatric Services, 2014Co-Authors: Michael T. Compton, Beth Broussard, Shaily Krishan, Janet R Oliva, Roger Bakeman, Dana Hankersondyson, Letheshia Husbands, Tarianna Stewarthutto, Barbara Dorio, Nancy J ThompsonAbstract:Since the 1980s, police officers in cities around the country have volunteered for Crisis Intervention team (CIT) training to gain skills needed to de-escalate situations involving people with serious mental illness. This study of nearly 600 Georgia police showed that officers who received CIT training felt more confident in deescalating such crises and in making appropriate referrals. CIT training not only improved officers’ skills and confidence, it also improved their attitudes toward people with mental illnesses.
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use of force preferences and perceived effectiveness of actions among Crisis Intervention team cit police officers and non cit officers in an escalating psychiatric Crisis involving a subject with schizophrenia
Schizophrenia Bulletin, 2011Co-Authors: Michael T. Compton, Beth Broussard, Joanne A. Mcgriff, Berivan Demir N Neubert, Rhiannon Morgan, Janet R OlivaAbstract:Background: Few studies have examined police officers’ use of force toward individuals with schizophrenia, despite the widely disseminated Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) model of partnership between mental health and law enforcement that seeks to reduce use of force and enhance safety of officers and individuals with mental illnesses. This study tested the hypotheses that CIT-trained officers would select a lower level of force, identify nonphysical actions as more effective, and perceive physical force as less effective in an escalating psychiatric Crisis, compared with non–CIT-trained officers. Methods: Police officers (n = 135)—48 CIT trained and 87 non–CIT trained—completed a survey containing 3 scenario-based vignettes depicting an escalating situation involving a subject with psychosis. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analyses of variance. Results: Officers escalated their preferred actions across the scenarios. A significant scenario by group interaction indicated that CIT-trained officers chose less escalation (ie, opting for less force at the third scenario) than non–CIT-trained officers. Officers reported decreasing perceived effectiveness of nonphysical action across the 3 scenarios. A significant scenario by group interaction indicated that CIT-trained officers reported a lesser decline in perceived effectiveness of nonphysical actions at the third scenario. CIT-trained officers consistently endorsed lower perceived effectiveness of physical force. Conclusions: Efforts are needed to reduce use of force toward individuals with psychotic disorders. These findings suggest that CIT may be an effective approach. In addition to clinical and programmatic implications, such findings demonstrate a role for clinicians, advocates, and schizophrenia researchers in promoting social justice through partnerships with diverse social sectors.
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system and policy level challenges to full implementation of the Crisis Intervention team cit model
Journal of Police Crisis Negotiations, 2010Co-Authors: Michael T. Compton, Beth Broussard, Shaily Krishan, Janet R Oliva, Dana Hankersondyson, Tarianna Stewart, Amy C WatsonAbstract: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.
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Crisis Intervention team training and special weapons and tactics callouts in an urban police department
Psychiatric Services, 2009Co-Authors: Michael T. Compton, Janet R Oliva, M Berivan P H Demir, Trudy BoyceAbstract:831 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 fourmonth 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. (Psychiatric Services 60:831–833, 2009) T he Crisis Intervention team (CIT) model is a specialized policebased program intended to enhance officers’ interactions with individuals with mental illnesses, improve the safety of all persons involved in a police Intervention, and encourage service reforms pertaining to the complex interfaces between law enforcement and mental health. The most widely recognized Crisis Intervention model for police officers was established in 1988 in Memphis, Tennessee. In this program, officers receive specialized CIT training from mental health professionals, family advocates, and mental health consumer groups to prepare them to intervene more effectively in crises (1–3). In addition to the training curriculum for officers, other core elements of the model relate to partnerships between law enforcement, advocacy, and mental health; community ownership; training of dispatchers; the structure and policies of mental health emergency–receiving facilities; and outreach to other communities (4).
George S. Everly - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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critical incident stress management cism updated review of findings 1998 2002
Aggression and Violent Behavior, 2004Co-Authors: Raymond B. Flannery, George S. EverlyAbstract:Critical incident stress management (CISM) represents a departure from earlier univariate Crisis Intervention strategies. CISM is a comprehensive, multicomponent, Crisis Intervention approach that includes preincident training, acute care Interventions, and postincident response follow-up. The first review of this literature included published reports through 1997. This report covers the period from 1998-2002. A databased search revealed 20 papers of specific CISM programs or multiple Interventions programs that are CISM-like in nature. These papers are reviewed and the strengths and weaknesses of the literature as a whole are presented; implications are discussed.
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Crisis Intervention a review
International journal of emergency mental health, 2000Co-Authors: Raymond B. Flannery, George S. EverlyAbstract:Critical incidents are sudden, unexpected, often life-threatening time-limited events that may overwhelm an individual's capacity to respond adaptively. Frequently, extreme critical incident stressors may result in personal crises, traumatic stress, and even Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. This paper presents a concise, fully-referenced, state-of-the-art review of Crisis Intervention procedures within the context of Critical Incident Stress Management.
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the debriefing controversy and Crisis Intervention a review of lexical and substantive issues
International journal of emergency mental health, 2000Co-Authors: George S. Everly, Jeffrey T MitchellAbstract:Despite a long and rich history as a specialty within applied mental health, Crisis Intervention has, within recent years, been the target of criticism. Singled out for specific criticism has been the Intervention referred to as "debriefing." Some authors have not only challenged its effectiveness but have raised the specter that it may cause significant harm. While superficially such arguments appear to have merit, closer scrutiny reveals an antiquated interpretation of even the most fundamental of terms and concepts inextricably intertwined with research based upon applications contrary to the most recent principles, prescriptions, and protocols regarding clinical use. A review of research based upon more extant formulations reveals many Crisis Intervention practices, including the Critical Incident Stress Debriefing model of "debriefing" and the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) model of Crisis Intervention to be highly clinically effective, indeed. This paper will review the terms and concepts which serve as the foundation of the field of Crisis Intervention, while subsequently reviewing key research investigations addressing its efficacy. It may be that outcome research directed toward assessing the effectiveness of Crisis Intervention can prosper from following trails blazed by psychotherapy researchers. The parallels seem striking. It may be that outcome research in Crisis Intervention (and "debriefing") needs to now focus upon "who" does Crisis Intervention, to "whom," and in "what specific situations," so as to maximize outcome associated with this clinically effective tool [International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, 2000, 2(4), 211-225].
Beth Broussard - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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police officers volunteering for rather than being assigned to Crisis Intervention team cit training evidence for a beneficial self selection effect
Behavioral Sciences & The Law, 2017Co-Authors: Michael T. Compton, Beth Broussard, Roger Bakeman, Barbara Dorio, Amy C WatsonAbstract:Officers' volunteering for Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training—rather than being assigned—is assumed to be an important, beneficial self-selection bias. This bias remains poorly characterized, though CIT officers are more likely to be female and to have had exposure to the mental health field. We determined whether or not self-selection is beneficial with regard to knowledge, attitudes, and skills, as well as level of force used (i.e., no or low force versus any form of physical force) and disposition of subjects, in actual encounters. We compared CIT-trained officers who had volunteered with those who had been assigned using data from two prior, linked studies that compared CIT-trained and non-CIT officers on knowledge, attitudes, and skills (251 CIT-trained officers; 68% had volunteered), as well as behaviors (517 actual encounters provided by 91 CIT-trained officers; 70% had volunteered). Of 28 scores on knowledge, attitudes, and skills compared, six were statistically significantly different (p < .01) and another eight were marginally significant (.01 < p < .05). Furthermore, although CIT officers who had volunteered were more likely to report use of some form of physical force as we had defined it (which included the use of handcuffs), when they did so they were more likely to refer to treatment services and less likely to make an arrest. These effects were apparent even when taking into account effects of gender, having had exposure to the mental health field, empathy, and other covariates. In conclusion, we found evidence for benefits of self-selection/volunteering that should be further characterized, as it appears to be associated with better outcomes with regard to key attitudes, skills, and behaviors.
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the police based Crisis Intervention team cit model i effects on officers knowledge attitudes and skills
Psychiatric Services, 2014Co-Authors: Michael T. Compton, Beth Broussard, Shaily Krishan, Janet R Oliva, Roger Bakeman, Dana Hankersondyson, Letheshia Husbands, Tarianna Stewarthutto, Barbara Dorio, Nancy J ThompsonAbstract:Since the 1980s, police officers in cities around the country have volunteered for Crisis Intervention team (CIT) training to gain skills needed to de-escalate situations involving people with serious mental illness. This study of nearly 600 Georgia police showed that officers who received CIT training felt more confident in deescalating such crises and in making appropriate referrals. CIT training not only improved officers’ skills and confidence, it also improved their attitudes toward people with mental illnesses.
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the police based Crisis Intervention team cit model ii effects on level of force and resolution referral and arrest
Psychiatric Services, 2014Co-Authors: Michael T. Compton, Beth Broussard, Shaily Krishan, Janet R Oliva, Roger Bakeman, Dana Hankersondyson, Letheshia Husbands, Tarianna Stewarthutto, Barbara Dorio, Nancy J ThompsonAbstract:ObjectiveThe Crisis Intervention team (CIT) model is a widely implemented police-based program to improve officers’ responses to individuals with behavioral disorders. The authors examined levels of force used by officers with or without CIT training and disposition decisions in a large sample of encounters with individuals whom they suspected of having a serious mental illness, a drug or an alcohol problem, or a developmental disability.MethodsA total of 180 officers (91 with CIT training and 89 without) in six departments reported on 1,063 encounters, including level of force and disposition (resolution at the scene, referral or transport to services, or arrest).ResultsCIT training status was generally not predictive of level of force, although CIT-trained officers were significantly more likely to report verbal engagement or negotiation as the highest level of force used (odds ratio [OR]=2.00, p=.016). For CIT-trained officers, referral or transport was a more likely outcome (OR=1.70, p=.026) and arres...
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use of force preferences and perceived effectiveness of actions among Crisis Intervention team cit police officers and non cit officers in an escalating psychiatric Crisis involving a subject with schizophrenia
Schizophrenia Bulletin, 2011Co-Authors: Michael T. Compton, Beth Broussard, Joanne A. Mcgriff, Berivan Demir N Neubert, Rhiannon Morgan, Janet R OlivaAbstract:Background: Few studies have examined police officers’ use of force toward individuals with schizophrenia, despite the widely disseminated Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) model of partnership between mental health and law enforcement that seeks to reduce use of force and enhance safety of officers and individuals with mental illnesses. This study tested the hypotheses that CIT-trained officers would select a lower level of force, identify nonphysical actions as more effective, and perceive physical force as less effective in an escalating psychiatric Crisis, compared with non–CIT-trained officers. Methods: Police officers (n = 135)—48 CIT trained and 87 non–CIT trained—completed a survey containing 3 scenario-based vignettes depicting an escalating situation involving a subject with psychosis. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analyses of variance. Results: Officers escalated their preferred actions across the scenarios. A significant scenario by group interaction indicated that CIT-trained officers chose less escalation (ie, opting for less force at the third scenario) than non–CIT-trained officers. Officers reported decreasing perceived effectiveness of nonphysical action across the 3 scenarios. A significant scenario by group interaction indicated that CIT-trained officers reported a lesser decline in perceived effectiveness of nonphysical actions at the third scenario. CIT-trained officers consistently endorsed lower perceived effectiveness of physical force. Conclusions: Efforts are needed to reduce use of force toward individuals with psychotic disorders. These findings suggest that CIT may be an effective approach. In addition to clinical and programmatic implications, such findings demonstrate a role for clinicians, advocates, and schizophrenia researchers in promoting social justice through partnerships with diverse social sectors.
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Do Empathy and Psychological Mindedness Affect Police Officers’ Decision to Enter Crisis Intervention Team Training?
Psychiatric services (Washington D.C.), 2011Co-Authors: Michael T. Compton, Beth Broussard, Dana Hankerson-dyson, Shaily Krishan, Tarianna Stewart-huttoAbstract:Objective:Police officers' voluntary choice to participate in specialized, week-long Crisis Intervention team (CIT) training is generally assumed to be a critical factor in success as a CIT officer. However, issues about self-selection have not been empirically examined. The investigators hypothesized that officers entering CIT training, especially those electing to take it, would have a higher likelihood of exposure to and experience with mental health issues and mental health professionals and greater empathy and psychological mindedness. Methods:A total of 177 officers—including 109 non-CIT-trained officers, 24 officers assigned to CIT training, and 44 officers who volunteered for CIT training—were assessed before and after their week-long classes (non-CIT officers were enrolled in other courses). Basic sociodemographic characteristics were assessed, and four psychometrically sound measures of empathy and psychological mindedness were administered. Associations between officer status and sociodemograph...
Amy C Watson - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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what research on Crisis Intervention teams tells us and what we need to ask
Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, 2019Co-Authors: Amy C Watson, Michael T. ComptonAbstract:Developed over 30 years ago, the Crisis Intervention Team model is arguably the most well-known approach to improve police response to individuals experiencing mental health Crisis. In this article, we comment on Rogers and colleagues' review (in this issue) of the CIT research base and elaborate on the current state of the evidence. We argue that CIT can be considered evidence based for officer level outcomes and call level dispositions. We then discuss the challenges that currently make it difficult to draw conclusions related to arrest, use of force, and injury related outcomes. More research, including a randomized, controlled trial is clearly needed. But we caution against focusing narrowly on the training component of the model, as CIT is more than training. We encourage research that explores and tests the potential of CIT partnerships to develop effective strategies that improve the mental health system's ability to provide Crisis response and thus reduce reliance on law enforcement to address this need.
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police officers volunteering for rather than being assigned to Crisis Intervention team cit training evidence for a beneficial self selection effect
Behavioral Sciences & The Law, 2017Co-Authors: Michael T. Compton, Beth Broussard, Roger Bakeman, Barbara Dorio, Amy C WatsonAbstract:Officers' volunteering for Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training—rather than being assigned—is assumed to be an important, beneficial self-selection bias. This bias remains poorly characterized, though CIT officers are more likely to be female and to have had exposure to the mental health field. We determined whether or not self-selection is beneficial with regard to knowledge, attitudes, and skills, as well as level of force used (i.e., no or low force versus any form of physical force) and disposition of subjects, in actual encounters. We compared CIT-trained officers who had volunteered with those who had been assigned using data from two prior, linked studies that compared CIT-trained and non-CIT officers on knowledge, attitudes, and skills (251 CIT-trained officers; 68% had volunteered), as well as behaviors (517 actual encounters provided by 91 CIT-trained officers; 70% had volunteered). Of 28 scores on knowledge, attitudes, and skills compared, six were statistically significantly different (p < .01) and another eight were marginally significant (.01 < p < .05). Furthermore, although CIT officers who had volunteered were more likely to report use of some form of physical force as we had defined it (which included the use of handcuffs), when they did so they were more likely to refer to treatment services and less likely to make an arrest. These effects were apparent even when taking into account effects of gender, having had exposure to the mental health field, empathy, and other covariates. In conclusion, we found evidence for benefits of self-selection/volunteering that should be further characterized, as it appears to be associated with better outcomes with regard to key attitudes, skills, and behaviors.
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the Crisis Intervention team cit model an evidence based policing practice
Behavioral Sciences & The Law, 2017Co-Authors: Amy C Watson, Michael T. Compton, Jeffrey DraineAbstract:As academic researchers, we are often asked to opine on whether the Crisis Intervention Team model (CIT) is an evidence-based practice (EBP) or evidence-based policing. Our answer is that it depends on how you define evidence-based practice and what outcome you are interested in. In this commentary, we briefly describe the CIT model, examine definitions of evidence-based practice and evidence-based policing, and then summarize the existing research on what is known about the effectiveness of CIT to date. We conclude that CIT can be designated an EBP for officer-level cognitive and attitudinal outcomes, but more research is needed to determine if CIT can be designated an EBP for other outcomes. Using an evidence-based practice process approach, CIT may also be a justified strategy for many communities. Future directions to inform the field are discussed.
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the Crisis Intervention team model of police response to mental health crises a primer for mental health practitioners
Best Practices in Mental Health, 2012Co-Authors: Amy C Watson, Anjali J FulambarkerAbstract:As persons with mental illnesses and law enforcement become increasingly entangled, the collaboration of police and mental health service providers has become critical to appropriately serving the needs of individuals experiencing mental health crises. This article introduces the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Model as a collaborative approach to safely and effectively address the needs of persons with mental illnesses, link them to appropriate services, and divert them from the criminal justice system if appropriate. We discuss the key elements of the CIT model, implementation and its related challenges, as well as variations of the model. While this model has not undergone enough research to be deemed an Evidence-Based Practice, it has been successfully utilized in many law enforcement agencies worldwide and is considered a "Best Practice" model in law enforcement. This primer for mental health practitioners serves as an introduction to a model that may already be utilized in their community or serve as a springboard for the development CIT programs where they do not currently exist.
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Crisis Intervention teams and people with mental illness exploring the factors that influence the use of force
Crime & Delinquency, 2012Co-Authors: Melissa Morabito, Amy C Watson, Jeffrey Draine, Amy N Kerr, Victor Ottati, Beth AngellAbstract:The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program was first developed to reduce violence in encounters between the police and people with mental illness as well as provide improved access to mental health services. Although there is overwhelming popular support for this Intervention, scant empirical evidence of its effectiveness is available—particularly whether the program can reduce the use of force. This investigation seeks to fill this gap in the literature by exploring the factors that influence use of force in encounters involving people with mental illness and evaluating whether CIT can reduce the likelihood of its use.