Problem

• Improved officer knowledge and self-efficacy in responding to mental health crisis.

• Decreased levels of officer use of force through emphasizing de-escalation and linkage to mental health services.

• Improved community confidence in officer response to mental health calls.

• Decreased system costs through diverting individuals with mental illness from the criminal justice system and hospital emergency rooms.

• Improved likelihood of treatment continuity with community-based providers.

Solution

Research

Research was already done by https://www.citinternational.org and https://www.nami.org/. They provided us lots of data but we have to customize for Nevada. Evidence has shown that first responders that take this crisis intervention training have improved mental attitudes and knowledge, and are more likely to follow up additional de-escalation training. This behavioral health training teaches first responders how to identify signs of mental illness and properly deal with their own stress and anxiety, as well as the people they respond to.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE TRAINING: The purpose of Crisis Intervention Training is to provide information about behavioral health, de-escalation response, and related topics. CIT training is an internationally identified best practice that was originally developed in 1988 in Memphis, Tennessee through a partnership with law enforcement, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the University of Memphis. The intent of the 40-hour behavioral health training program is to provide behavioral health knowledge and skills to emergency responders including law enforcement, EMS, medical personnel and other community providers.  The outcomes of CIT include increasing safety for first responders, the general public and the individual experiencing a mental health crisis through skillful intervention, de-escalation, and diversion of these individuals from the criminal justice system. Carson City first developed CIT in 2006, CIT has since been implemented in Douglas, Lyon, and Churchill Counties. 

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RISKS AND BENEFITS: There is a risk that participants may experience some psychological discomfort from the discussion of topics such as suicide and behavioral health issues. Research has shown that talking about suicide does not cause people to do self-harm. However, in the event that you become upset and wish support, the trainer will be available and, if you want additional support, can provide you with referral information. A direct benefit of your participation in this training is gaining the knowledge about behavioral health and related issues, and improving skillfulness in responding to situations and crises involving behavioral health. 

High Fidelity