The Department of Mental Health Law & Policy Education and Training group is currently administering small grants funded by The Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities, Inc. Communities planning to implement the Crisis Intervention Team (C.I.T.) law enforcement mode are eligible for the grant. The Advocacy Center and the Department of Mental Health Law & Policy promote the adoption of the C.I.T. model in Florida communities.

In 1988, the Memphis Police Department joined in partnership with the Memphis Chapter of the Alliance for the Mentally Ill (AMI), mental health providers, and two local universities (the University of Memphis and the University of Tennessee) in organizing, training, and implementing a specialized unit. This unique and creative alliance was established for the purpose of developing a more intelligent, understandable, and safe approach to mental crisis events.

The C.I.T. model has become the standard for training and implementation of a "first response" system for individuals who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis. The effectiveness of this best practice is supported by empirical research and numerous anecdotal reports of its success. The Memphis model requires all stakeholders in a community to come together, plan, and implement a strategy for response. Training of selected officers begins with a 40-hour curriculum and planned continuing education. The C.I.T. model also emphasizes the need to enhance local acute care systems as well as law enforcement protocols to better serve individuals with a disability.

The following four agencies/communities were awarded grants ranging from $2500 to $6000: C.O.P.E. Center in Walton County, Coastal Recovery Center in Sarasota, Ruth Cooper Center in Ft. Myers, and Meridian Behavioral Health in Gainesville FMHI has committed to providing consultation and technical assistance for these communities. Dr. Larry Thompson is at the forefront of this effort to coordinate training and support to agencies around the state.

Currently there are 13 communities in Florida providing specialized training in this area for officers. More than 2000 officers across the state have received training under the umbrella of C.I.T. (CIT Forum/Orlando, March 4, 2004).

Click MHLP law enforcement training efforts to get more information.