ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Note: Thanks to funding from the NYS Senate, ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ’s CIT program is encouraging localities to explore an array of both police and alternative responses to ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈers in mental health crisis.
In collaboration with the NYS Office of Mental Health, the Institute for Police, Mental Health & Community Collaboration is pleased to announce that localities across the State are now able to apply to be part of the state-wide Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program. Applications are due by 5:00 pm, July 22, 2021. Please click here ( ) to download information about who is eligible to apply, other important background information, and the application instructions.
The state-wide CIT program is funded by the NYS Senate. The two main goals of CIT programs are to
-
transform crisis response systems to minimize the times that law enforcement officers are the first responders to individuals in emotional distress Although many see CIT as solely a police training initiative, it involves much more. In fact, CIT programs support and encourage the development of non-police responses to individuals in a behavioral health-related crisis. These could include models similar to CAHOOTS (Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets), a mobile crisis intervention program staffed by teams of mental health and medical personnel.
-
to ensure that when police are the first responders that they have the knowledge, skills, and support to de-escalate situations and divert individuals from the criminal and juvenile justice systems, when possible.