What is the primary role of a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) in policing interactions with individuals experiencing mental health crises?

• A. To conduct routine patrols
• B. To de-escalate, assess safety, apply crisis intervention techniques, and connect individuals to resources
• C. To issue traffic citations
• D. To replace officers on scene

Answer: (B)

Crisis Intervention Team work focuses on handling encounters with people in mental health crises by de-escalating the situation, ensuring safety, applying specific crisis intervention techniques, and connecting individuals to appropriate resources. De-escalation aims to reduce agitation through calm, respectful communication, building rapport, and slowing the situation so the person can engage voluntarily. Assessing safety involves determining whether there is imminent danger to the person or others and deciding on the safest, most appropriate course of action. The crisis intervention techniques include active listening, empathy, validation of feelings, clear and non-threatening language, and offering choices or alternatives. When needed, these efforts are complemented by bringing in mental health professionals or mobile crisis units to support the response. Connecting to resources means arranging or facilitating access to crisis stabilization, outpatient services, case management, or hospitalization, rather than resorting to arrest or force. This approach seeks the best possible outcome with the least amount of force, aligning response with the person’s safety and well-being.