Crisis Intervention Teams (CITs) are specialized police units trained to handle mental health crises. While research shows CITs improve officer preparedness and outcomes, less is known about how training affects interactions with individuals experiencing mental illness. This article analyzes qualitative data from a study of the Chicago Police Department to explore how CIT-trained officers’ responses differ from their non-CIT counterparts, focusing on assessment, response tactics, and disposition of calls. While the original study included captains, this analysis centers on differences between CIT and non-CIT officers, sergeants, and lieutenants. Therefore, the question of comparison or contrast with captains is not directly addressed in this context. The focus is on how the specialized training distinguishes CIT officers’ approaches from those without the specialized training.
CIT Training and Officer Response: A Comparative Analysis
Police frequently encounter individuals with mental illnesses, requiring critical decisions about force and disposition. Traditional policing tactics can escalate situations involving agitated individuals. CIT programs aim to improve these interactions through specialized training, community partnerships, and specialized officer roles.
Assessment of Individuals in Crisis
CIT officers demonstrated a more nuanced understanding of mental illness symptoms, enabling them to assess dangerousness more effectively. They considered the context of behaviors and utilized techniques learned in training, such as recognizing auditory hallucinations. This contrasted with non-CIT officers who often relied on hospital staff for assessment, potentially leading to unnecessary hospitalizations. CIT officers also reported improved ability to differentiate mental illness from substance abuse.
Response Tactics: De-escalation and Patience
CIT training emphasized communication and de-escalation. CIT officers prioritized talking to individuals, listening to their needs, and allowing sufficient time to resolve situations peacefully. This differed from non-CIT officers who primarily relied on command and control techniques, potentially escalating encounters. CIT officers viewed listening as a crucial de-escalation tool and were more likely to spend extra time on calls to ensure peaceful resolution.
Disposition: Beyond Hospitalization and Arrest
CIT training broadened the range of disposition options considered by officers. They were more likely to connect individuals with community resources, provide transportation to services, or offer information about helpful programs. Non-CIT officers, feeling limited by resources and training, often relied on hospitalization or arrest as primary options.
Implications for Police Practice and Policy
The findings highlight CIT’s effectiveness in equipping officers with specialized tools for handling mental health calls. The differences in assessment, response tactics, and disposition between CIT and non-CIT officers suggest that specialized training leads to safer interactions and more appropriate outcomes. This has important implications for reducing unnecessary arrests and use of force, as well as improving access to mental health services for individuals in crisis. The study’s limitations include its small sample size and qualitative design, necessitating further research to confirm these findings.
Conclusion: The Value of Specialized Training
This analysis indicates that CIT training significantly impacts how officers respond to mental health crises. By fostering a deeper understanding of mental illness and equipping officers with de-escalation techniques, CIT promotes safer and more effective interactions. The study emphasizes the crucial role of specialized training in improving police responses to individuals with mental illnesses and highlights the potential for CIT programs to enhance community safety and access to mental health care. Further research should explore the long-term effects of CIT and its impact on community well-being.
