The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program is a unique alliance between police and the community for the common goals of safety, understanding and service to the mentally ill and their families. The program was developed to provide a more effective, compassionate and safer approach to interacting with people who suffer in a mental illness or developmental disability crisis. Through special training, the program provides officers with a more intelligent approach to mental crisis events in our community.
About the team
The Lenexa Police Department has approximately 35 CIT-trained personnel. Together with volunteer officers and dispatchers, CIT officers maintain round-the-clock crisis response coverage to deal with complex issues relating to mental illness.
Why it’s important
The CIT model encourages communities, families, law enforcement officers and mental health professionals to act as a compass for persons with mental illness. An increase in illegal narcotic and alcohol abuse and the “deinstitutionalization” of mentally ill citizens can lead to an increase in homelessness and potential violence, and a consequent increase in involvement by law enforcement.
Traditional police methods, misinformation, and a lack of sensitivity have caused fear and frustration for the mentally ill and their families. As a proactive program, CIT works to prevent tragic situations and find “win-win” solutions for all persons concerned.
The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), Johnson County and the Lenexa Police Department agree that an immediate response is preferable in a crisis. By offering an immediate, humane and calm approach, CIT officers reduce the likelihood of physical confrontations and enhance better patient care.
Program benefits
Since its inception, citizens and the criminal justice system of Johnson County and Lenexa have experienced significant benefits of the program, including:
- a decrease in arrests and use of force
- the ability to identify mentally ill persons and provide them with appropriate care
- a decrease in patient violence and use of restraints in the ER
- better trained and educated officers in verbal de-escalation techniques
- a decline in officer injuries during crisis events
- an increase in officer recognition and appreciation by the community
- fewer victimless crime arrests
- a decrease in liability for health care issues in the jail
- cost savings
National recognition
NAMI and the American Association of Suicidology have recognized the CIT program for distinguished service to the mentally ill. NAMI Memphis credits CIT with saving lives and preventing injuries, both for citizens and officers. Officer injury data has decreased by seven-fold since the program inception. University of Tennessee studies have shown that the CIT program has resulted in a decrease in arrests rates for the mentally ill, an impressive rate of diversion into the health care system, and a resulting low rate of mental illness in their jails.
The Lenexa Police Department gratefully acknowledges Maj. Sam Cochran of the Memphis, Tennessee Police Department for developing the CIT program.
For more information on CIT, contact Sgt. Wade Borchers at 913.825.8035.