To more appropriately identify and treat mental health consumers, Mecklenburg County Area Mental Health is partnering with the Sheriff's Office and NAMI Charlotte to launch a CIT initiative in our community.
In Mecklenburg County, 35% of all persons arrested in 2007 had a record of receiving mental health services and 83% of those arrested seven or more times per year had prior involvement with Area Mental Health.
Law enforcement officers are often the first responders to people with serious mental illness in crisis. Through CIT, selected officers will receive intensive training on identifying mental health concerns, using verbal de-escalation skills and directing consumers to appropriate services.
CIT is a nationally recognized approach and is already a required training across the state of NC. Implementing a CIT program reduces injury to officers and consumers, reduces recidivism, decreases law suits and diverts consumers into appropriate placement using best practice techniques.
The first officer training in Mecklenburg County will take place August 25-29 with a special graduation ceremony on August 29, 2008.
For more information about CIT, visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness resource center.
