This document summarizes the key components of a successful Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program through the example of Virginia Beach, Virginia. It discusses the importance of partnerships between law enforcement, mental health services, hospitals, and advocacy groups. It outlines the steps Virginia Beach took to establish their CIT program, including gaining leadership support, community buy-in, training officers and other first responders, establishing policies and procedures, and creating a facility for transferring custody of individuals in crisis. The document emphasizes communication, collaboration, and addressing legal and operational barriers across agencies.
3. This is new school CIT emphasizes a partnership between law enforcement, the mental health, 911, deputies, mental health advocacy groups, and consumers of mental health services, their families, and private hospital.
13. MOST WANTED VB Police Command Staff insisted on ability to transfer custody and allow police to return to the street Initially VA laws did not allow LE to hand off Mental Health Law Reforms speeded up after VA Tech killings Many meetings with hospital directors to get Assessment Center for transfer of custody
26. Police Department Commitment to make program work from the top down. Leadership Team met with Command Staff to explain CIT Communication with other parties key Policies and Mental Health Field Guide rewritten Strive for working relationships with Mental Health, Sheriff’s Department, 911 and Virginia Beach Psychiatric Monthly meetings regarding successes and failures
27. Mental Health Substance Abuse Committed to have direct availability of a CIT designated Emergency Services clinician 24/7 Manages JAG Byrne Grant Coordinates Training, Leadership, Coalition , and Committee meetings Spearheaded the development of VB CIT Assessment Center for transfer of custody from CIT Officer Committed to partnership with law enforcement
28. Human Rights Award Virginia Beach CIT was honored with a Human Rights Award March 2010
Notas do Editor
Policies and procedures within both the law enforcement agencies and mentalhealth agencies that outline the roles and responsibilities of eachparty. Where written and mutual agreements are necessary or desirable betweenand among agencies, this will be accomplished.• Each trainer/presenter will develop their lesson plan around the goals andobjectives established for each section of the curriculum• Class or school coordinator(s) should meet with trainers/presenters prior totraining for coordination and continuity of the materials• Trainers/presenters should be encouraged to go on “ride-alongs” withpolice officers to experience what it is like walking in police officer’sshoes.• Trainers/presenters are informed about officer and community safetyissues and about the use of force continuum used by each law enforcementagency• Trainers/presenters receive an evaluation for feedback and to ensuremaintaining the most effective trainerTrainers/presenters who are willing to learn about police work and to become“police familiar” as they provide training to the officers. Trainers/presenters mustinclude mental health/substance abuse treatment professionals, family members ofindividuals with serious mental illness, individuals who themselves have seriousmental illness (“consumers”), and people (preferably experienced CIT officers)who are able to assist in role-playing to help officers develop their de-escalationskills.
Trainers/presenters who are willing to learn about police work and to become“police familiar” as they provide training to the officers. Trainers/presenters mustinclude mental health/substance abuse treatment professionals, family members ofindividuals with serious mental illness, individuals who themselves have seriousmental illness (“consumers”), and people (preferably experienced CIT officers)who are able to assist in role-playing to help officers develop their de-escalationskills.