Benefits of Establishing a CIT Program in Your Community

 Improved Safety for Officers and Community 

• CIT programs provide officers with specialized training, enhancing their skills in safely responding to individuals experiencing mental health crises.
• Reduces the risk of injuries and fatalities during crisis interactions for both officers and community members.

Reduces Burden on the Criminal Justice System 

• Redirects individuals with mental health conditions from jails to appropriate mental health treatment and support services.
• Decreases repeat encounters, reducing overall law enforcement workload and freeing officers to handle other public safety issues.

Enhanced Community Collaboration and Partnerships 

• Fosters cooperation among law enforcement, mental health providers, advocates, and other community stakeholders, promoting shared responsibility for crisis response.
• Strengthens community trust and communication, which is essential for effective crisis management.

Cost Savings and Resource Efficiency 

• Decreases unnecessary hospitalizations, incarcerations, and repeated police responses to the same individuals by connecting them to appropriate mental health services.
• Better utilizes limited resources by diverting individuals to appropriate services, reducing the strain on law enforcement and emergency departments.

Reduction of Criminal Justice System Involvement 

• Helps break the cycle of individuals with mental illnesses repeatedly entering the criminal justice system.
• Promotes alternatives such as treatment and support, preventing individuals from becoming involved in the criminal justice system due to untreated mental health issues.

Enhanced Officer Morale and Professional Development 

• Officers trained in CIT report greater confidence and job satisfaction, as they are equipped to effectively manage challenging situations involving mental health crises.
• Positive mental health interactions can reduce officer burnout and stress, contributing to improved overall agency morale.

Community and Political Support 

• CIT programs enjoy widespread support from community members, advocacy groups, and political leaders, reflecting positively on the department’s image.
• Leaders who adopt CIT often receive increased community recognition for addressing mental health crises humanely and effectively.

By adopting a CIT program, your department demonstrates proactive leadership in mental health crisis management, reduces risk and liability, saves resources, and cultivates stronger community relationships—all essential for modern, effective law enforcement​.