Across North Carolina, Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training helps build better relationships between law enforcement officers, first responders, and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), mental illness, or substance use disorders. These groups often need special understanding, especially in stressful situations. By teaching officers how to respond appropriately, CIT programs can make these encounters safer and more effective for everyone involved.
Crisis Intervention Team training helps first responders answer key questions like “what is an intellectual or developmental disability” and “how may additional stress and anxiety affect someone with a mental illness.” By understanding more about the people they may come in contact with, first responders may choose more appropriate and helpful methods of intervention.
Intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are conditions that affect a person’s ability to learn, communicate, or perform daily activities. A developmental disability is a lifelong condition that starts before adulthood and can include physical or intellectual challenges. Examples include autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy.
Mental illness refers to health conditions that affect a person’s emotions, thinking, or behavior. Examples include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Each person’s experience with mental illness is different so it’s important for law enforcement to recognize signs and respond appropriately.
How CIT Training Works
In many communities, CIT training is a 40-hour program that helps law enforcement officers respond to situations involving people with I/DD, mental illness or substance use disorders. Since 2016, Monarch, an organization that supports individuals with disabilities and mental health needs, has participated in this training, lending its expertise in treating these populations.
The program involves collaboration with law enforcement, healthcare providers, educators, individuals in recovery, families and advocacy groups like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Officers learn to recognize specific needs and handle situations in ways that are safe and effective.
CIT in Action: Building Bridges in Mecklenburg County
In Mecklenburg County, CIT training includes tours of mental health facilities like the Charlotte Behavioral Health outpatient office and the SECU Youth Crisis Center. These visits give officers firsthand experience with the services available to people with I/DD and mental health challenges.
Monarch’s outreach team has trained over 100 officers, focusing on improving communication between law enforcement and service providers.
“CIT creates a two-way dialogue. Many officers weren’t familiar with the wide range of services we provide. Now, they know how to guide people to the right resources,” Monarch staff explain.
Hands-on Learning at Monarch’s Beach Club Day Program
At Monarch’s Beach Club in Manteo, CIT participants have engaged in hands-on activities with people supported by Monarch. Officers and participants have created art together such as alcohol ink magnets, allowing them to build connections in a relaxed, interactive setting.
Monarch staff noted that these activities help people with I/DD feel more comfortable around law enforcement. “It’s rewarding to see individuals who were once anxious around officers begin to relax and communicate more easily,” they said.
Officers also benefit from the experience. Many leave with a better understanding of how to approach situations involving people with disabilities or mental illness. For example, a Kill Devil Hills officer who attended a Beach Club session still keeps his magnet in his patrol car, a reminder of the connections made.
Positive Outcomes of CIT Training Programs
CIT training has been praised for improving the way law enforcement interacts with people who have I/DD, mental illness or substance use disorders. By fostering understanding and collaboration, these programs reduce anxiety, improve communication and lead to better outcomes for everyone involved.
Through programs like CIT, law enforcement can work more effectively with mental health providers, advocacy groups and individuals in the community, ensuring that people with disabilities receive the support and respect they deserve.
For more information on Monarch’s community outreach efforts or to schedule a CIT training or site tour with Monarch staff, call (866) 272-7826.