Crisis Response.pdf

Small law enforcement agencies respond to calls involving persons in crisis through various specialized response models, including Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT) and Co-responder programs. A national survey of 380 municipal police and sheriff offices with 10-75 sworn officers found that:

98% of agencies had adopted some form of specialized response model
63% provided crisis response training to all patrol officers
30% had at least one CIT-certified officer
50% were part of a regional CIT partnership

These models aim to connect people in crisis to behavioral health resources, provide follow-up case management, and reduce repeated calls for service. However, implementation varies widely, and comprehensive programs with critical elements are considered most effective.

Key findings include:

Small agencies face challenges in responding to crisis calls, including limited resources and lack of nearby mental health facilities
Regional partnerships can provide access to skilled staff, but response times can be long and staff may not be available at all times
The death of George Floyd led 40% of survey respondents to reassess their approach to dealing with persons in crisis
Agencies spend varying amounts on crisis response programs, with some allocating significant resources and others relying on external funding

Overall, the survey highlights the need for small law enforcement agencies to adopt effective specialized response models to address the complex needs of persons in crisis, while also addressing the challenges and limitations faced by these agencies.