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Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training began in Memphis, Tennessee in the late 1980s and has been widely adopted around the country. CIT is an effective law enforcement response program designed for first responders who handle crisis calls involving people with mental illness including those with co-occurring substance use disorders. CIT training emphasizes a partnership between law enforcement, the mental health and substance abuse treatment system, mental health advocacy groups, and consumers of mental health services and their families. CIT is both a training program, and a collaborative effort that builds community partnerships with mental health service providers.
Since 2004, stakeholders in Florida have been involved with developing CIT in their communities. In 2014, approximately 34 counties (Sheriff’s Offices) were involved with CIT. In 2015, the Florida Sheriffs Association obtained recurring general revenue funding of $800,000 to initiate a pilot program to enhance training for Florida law enforcement and correctional officers. This training ensures that our deputies are able to safely assess and interact with persons with mental illness in a crisis situation.
Law enforcement offices interested in CIT training should contact Dr. Joyce Carbonell, CIT Training Coordinator for the Florida Sheriffs Association.
Dr. Joyce Carbonell
CIT Training Coordinator
jcarbonell@flsheriffs.org
850-877-2165 (ext. 5846)