CIT ACROSS AMERICA

NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) presents a "Friday Facts" each and every Friday, updating the member of NAMI with updates of what is happening in the proactive approaches for the good of its members.

One of the latest approaches of activism includes a survey about the areas Crisis Intervention Team ("CIT") programs in law enforcement entities across the country. It is asking for the support of its members to help get a snapshot of the type of CIT Program, which was originated by the Major Sam Cochran of the Memphis Police Department with his "consensus project" and Dr. Randy Dupont.

This Friday's news included the following information emailed to its members:

"As you know, law enforcement officers are frequently first-line responders to people with serious mental illness in
crisis. In an effort to better prepare these officers to respond to these individuals, a number of communities have developed police Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) programs.

A significant body of research indicates that these programs have proven effectiveness, both in reducing injuries and in diverting people to treatment instead of arrests. The NAMI Board of Directors is conducting a
survey to identify communities that have adopted CIT programs across the country and evaluate certain characteristics of these programs. A brief questionnaire
has been developed to assist in obtaining this information. If you are involved or knowledgeable about CIT programs in your state or community, we would very much appreciate your help by taking a few minutes to fill out the questionnaire.
Or, please forward the questionnaire to others who are knowledgeable about these programs. The questionnaire and accompanying cover letter can be accessed at
CIT Survey

Although the program started in 1988 in Memphis, it is a continual process to ensure that law enforcement entities across the nation practice these approaches when needed. After all, everyone deserves to be treated like a human, don't they????