CIT programs are police-based pre-booking jail diversion programs that provide law enforcement the knowledge and skills they need to de-escalate persons in crisis, emphasize treatment rather than jail time for persons displaying symptoms of mental illness, and improve outcomes for both officers and consumers following encounters between law enforcement and persons with mental illness.
CIT is a partnership. It is a consortium of organizations and individuals representing law enforcement agencies, mental health providers, local management entities, advocates and others.
Raleigh Police Department CIT officers receive a minimum of 40 hours of specialized training designed to assist them to better understand and respond more effectively to persons with mental illness, and in a manner that enhances both their safety and the safety of the public.
Benefits for Law Enforcement
- Decreased use of force during crisis events
- Decreased number of Officer injuries
- Cost savings in time and money resources
- Improved use of alternatives to arrest and jail diversion
- Improved collaboration with mental health and advocacy resources
- Increased Officer and department recognition and appreciation
The Raleigh Police Department currently has over 110 CIT Officers and the majority of these are assigned to Field Operations, in all six Districts. Over 300 CIT calls are handled each year by CIT Officers in Raleigh.
For more information, contact Lt. Paula O'Neal at RPD at 996-3335.
