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What is CIT?
The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training program was established in Memphis, TN, in 1988 by Major Sam Cochran(ret.), along with the Memphis Police Department, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), University of Memphis, University of Tennessee, and mental health providers.
Contact us at CentralMA_TTAC@openskycs.org
A Collaborative Partnership
CIT is designed as a collaborative partnership between:
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Law enforcement
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Mental health professionals
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Behavioral health advocates (e.g., mental illness, developmental disability, substance use disorder/addiction)
Together, we develop and sustain a compassionate crisis response system that effectively helps individuals in crisis access treatment and resources rather than place them in the criminal justice system.
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Individuals with serious and persistent mental illnesses are often involved in the criminal justice system at a disproportionately higher rate than the general population
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Therefore, law enforcement and other first responders who are often engaged with these individuals need the appropriate training and tools to maintain safety for all involved.
Goals
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De-escalate various incidents
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Divert individuals from the criminal justice system
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Increasing the safety of law enforcement, other first responders, and individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis.
Department of Mental Health Jail Diversion Programs (DMH-JDP) Learning Management System (LMS)
In July 2024, The Center launched the Department of Mental Health Jail Diversion Programs (DMH-JDP) Learning Management System (LMS). This initiative, aligned with the provisions of Mass. General Laws c.19 § 25 (2018), is designed to ensure easy access to the Center’s recommended trainings, along with other valuable educational resources.
Beyond providing training for officers, CIT also aims to improve the crisis response system and strengthen partnerships across the community.