CIT Training Among Law Enforcement: Does It Work?

Abstract

The relationship between law enforcement and those with mental illness is severely strained and possibly even broken. But who caused this rift in the relationship? Is law enforcement to blame? Are those with a mental illness to blame? Or, does the issue stem from a bigger problem of deinstitutionalization and negative stigmas that society has against both mentioned populations? The purpose of this study was to dive deeper into the relationship between law enforcement officers and those with mental illness to seek the root cause of the disconnect, as well as what can be done to bridge the gap. Previous research has focused on the law enforcement perspective, focusing on what training (if any) they have for dealing with citizens with mental illnesses as well as how those in law enforcement perceive people with mental illnesses while on the job. These perceptions are yet another possible explanation of the disconnect and could potentially be part of the solution to help mend the break between law enforcement and those suffering from a mental illness. The present study sought to examine the effects that CIT training has on the response outcomes when law enforcement officers respond to those with mental illness. These response outcomes, when ranked by severity, can help to explain the importance of CIT training and its effectiveness, especially when compared to the previous studies data pool of officer perspectives. The results of this study are compelling and create an effortless opening for conversation on a topic that is difficult for many to talk about.