Crisis Intervention Team: Introduction
The Eleventh Judicial Circuit Criminal Mental Health Project (CMHP) promotes the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) model, a nationally recognized, best-practice approach to improve police response to individuals experiencing mental health crises.
Core Training
CIT officers receive 40 hours of specialized training in psychiatric diagnoses, suicide prevention, substance use disorders, behavioral de-escalation, family dynamics, mental health and substance use laws, and local resources. This training prepares officers to recognize mental health crises, de-escalate safely, and connect individuals to treatment rather than arrest when appropriate.
Additional Training
The CMHP also provides:
- Introduction to CIT Training
- CIT Refresher Training
- Advanced CIT Training
- CIT Instructor Training
- De-escalation Training
- Telecommunicator Training for 911 Call-Takers and Dispatchers
Impact in Miami-Dade County
- Nearly 10,000 officers trained from the Sheriff's Office, 34 municipalities, public schools, and corrections
- 169,564 mental health crisis calls responded to in the past 15 years by the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office and City of Miami Police Department
- Only 635 arrests made during these calls
- 27,702 individuals diverted from jail
- 114,815 individuals linked to treatment in the community
Results
CIT has significantly reduced arrests of individuals experiencing psychiatric crises in Miami-Dade County, while increasing access to treatment and care. The program has also led to notable declines in use of force and injuries involving people with mental illnesses, as well as reduced injuries among law enforcement officers, making the community safer and healthier.
What does a CIT officer do?
CIT officers are specially trained to respond to crisis calls involving possible mental health and/or substance use concerns. They assess situations, use de-escalation techniques to reduce the risk of harm, and, when appropriate, transport individuals experiencing acute psychiatric symptoms to community-based facilities for evaluation, treatment, and referrals. This approach ensures that people in crisis are connected to care and support services rather than being arrested and taken to jail.
When do I call for a CIT officer?
A Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) officer should be requested when an emergency involves someone who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, and a law enforcement response is needed. This is especially important if the person poses a potential danger to themselves or others. When calling for assistance, it is important to indicate that the situation involves a known or suspected mental health or substance use concern and to ask specifically for a "CIT officer."
What do I do if I have a mental health emergency and need a CIT officer?
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health or substance use emergency, call 911 and clearly state that it is a behavioral health crisis and request a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) officer. In Miami-Dade County, most police agencies have CIT officers available. If your community does not have a CIT program, tell the dispatcher that the emergency involves someone with a possible or known mental illness or substance use disorder so they can send the most appropriate response.
What do I do if I do not have an emergency, but still need help?
If you do not have an emergency but need help with a mental health or substance use concern, call 211—a free, confidential, 24/7 multilingual helpline that connects people to local health and human services. You can also call, text, or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7 across the United States and its territories, for immediate support during a mental health crisis.
How can I get more information about CIT?
If this is not an emergency and you would like more information about Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) programs in your area, please contact Habsi W. Kaba at hkaba@jud11.flcourts.org.