Program objective

The Training to Improve Police-Based Responses to People with Mental Illness includes the Collaborative Crisis Response and Intervention Training (CRIT) Program for Law Enforcement, a discretionary grant designed to enhance law enforcement agencies' capabilities in managing crisis situations involving individuals with mental health challenges. This program provides critical funding to support the development of specialized training initiatives that empower officers to effectively engage with individuals experiencing mental health crises or substance use disorders. The grant enables law enforcement agencies to implement best practices in crisis intervention, de-escalation techniques, and collaboration with mental health professionals and community organizations. By fostering the establishment of crisis intervention teams and integrating mental health strategies into law enforcement practices, the program aims to improve public safety outcomes and ensure that officers are equipped to handle crisis situations with compassion and effectiveness. The goal of the Collaborative Response and Intervention Training (CRIT) program aims to enhance law enforcement's ability to effectively respond to individuals in crisis, particularly those experiencing mental health challenges, disabilities, or substance use disorders. By developing best-practice training programs and fostering collaboration between law enforcement and community service providers, CRIT seeks to promote safer interactions and improve overall outcomes for individuals in crisis. Ultimately, the program aspires to create a more informed and compassionate approach within law enforcement agencies, ensuring that officers are equipped to handle complex situations with empathy and professionalism. The objectives of the training program include the development and implementation of evidence-based training using the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s (BJA) CRIT Curriculum. This involves equipping officers with effective de-escalation techniques and fostering collaboration with community service providers to create comprehensive crisis response strategies. Additionally, the program emphasizes the importance of evaluating training effectiveness to assess its impact on law enforcement responses. By encouraging the integration of crisis response training into standard practices, CRIT aims to establish sustainable improvements in how law enforcement interacts with individuals in crisis. Performance Measure 1: Number of programs engaging in outreach activities with the community, criminal justice partners, or other outside organizations Performance Measure 2: Number of programs conducting at least one training related to crisis intervention, mental health, substance abuse, or intellectual disabilities.