What is CIT?

Memphis Model

 

The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program is an innovative first-responder model of police-based crisis intervention training to help persons with mental disorders and/or addictions access medical and/or behavioral health treatment rather than place them in the criminal justice system due to illness-related behaviors. In 1988, The CIT model emerged in Memphis, Tennessee, and is often referred to as the “Memphis Model." This model promotes officer safety and the safety of the individual in crisis. 

Reference the Memphis Model CIT Core Elements Guide here.  

CIT International Program Goals

  1. Develop the most compassionate and effective crisis response system that is least intrusive in a person’s life.

2. To help persons with mental disorders and/or addictions access medical/mental health treatment rather than place them in the criminal justice system due to illness related behaviors

Key Themes of CIT

The Crisis Intervention Team 40 hour training consists of:

  • Learning about behavioral health conditions including mental illness, substance use, developmental disabilities and more.

  • Developing an understanding on how to approach crisis situations with a trauma-informed, empathetic response.

  • An overview of ICAT De-Escalation tactics and crisis negotiation FBI-based communication skills.

  • Opportunities to network with local community resources and learn how to navigate the complex social resources.

  • Engagement in practical application of aforementioned CIT techniques with professional crisis actors.

Officers and first responders who complete the program gain insight into behavioral health crises, and into the system that provides services to individuals with behavioral health disorders. This allows officers to resolve crises more efficiently and effectively. 

Standardizing CIT

In 2019, the Massachusetts chapter of the Department of Mental Health “DMH” developed the Crisis Intervention Team “CIT” training curriculum for the 7 Crisis Intervention Team Training and Tactical Assistance Centers “CIT-TTACs” in the state to follow. The CIT curriculum includes the subject topic, content and respective time requirements. The CIT-TTACs are able to make modifications to best fit their respective community’s needs. By following the set curriculum, the DMH is able to ensure that all trainees are receiving equitable trainings.

In the bar graph above, the average test scores across 5 of the 7 Massachusetts CIT-TTACs are shown. A high majority of participants pass the test with a score above 21.

Additionally, in 2023, the MA Chapter of DMH created a standardized test to certify trainees opposed to just graduating them upon completion. DMH collaborated with the Jail Diversion Program Management Team, Research/Data Experts and the CIT-TTACs to develop the standardized test. Core knowledge check areas in the test include understanding symptoms and behaviors of mental illness, identifying officer wellness skills, understanding jail diversion, identifying higher risks associated in special populations, and more. The test is virtually administered on the 5th and final day of the 40-hour CIT training. By implementing a test component, the CIT-TTACs and DMH are able to gather data and better determine trends, improvement areas and more. DMH alongside the CIT-TTACs, plan to continue to use data to expand and improve Crisis Intervention Teams.

In addition to the standardized test, CIT training participants are also scored on their application of practical skills in the role play scenarios with professional crisis actors. This score is averaged with the participants test score to overall ensure the participant passes the CIT training course and can be deemed CIT Certified.