Crisis Intervention & Mental Health

MPD Offers Important Training

The Madison Police Department’s Mental Health Liaison Program is one of six model Specialized Police Response (SPR) programs selected by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) to serve as a peer learning site for other police agencies interested in developing their own SPR.  Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training is an impressive police-based pre-arrest jail diversion program.  The most widely-known (SPR) program, CIT is designed to create a seamless link between police and emergency mental health services.  In partnership with NAMI Dane County, and in keeping with their designation as a Learning Site through the BJA, the Madison Police Department is offering the 40-hour CIT training this week to law enforcement officers representing various police agencies in Dane County.  Participating officers will receive training in areas including psychiatric disorders, substance abuse issues, de-escalation techniques/scenarios, and legal issues related to mental health.  The course is conducted by a diverse group of police and mental health professionals.  During the week, students will participate in a variety of valuable exercises that will provide officers with a unique opportunity to interact with individuals who have a mental illness and those who support them.  While CIT certification is included in this training, MPD recognizes that CIT is only one model and that there is no one-size-fits-all response.  As such, this training will also discuss the key elements to developing a specialized police response program to assist departments in developing their own program guided by best practices as outlined through the BJA.  Representatives of the Madison Police Department’s Mental Health Liaison Program are coordinating this training, and the Department hopes to offer this type of training on an annual basis.  For more information, contact:
 
Captain Kristen Roman
kroman@cityofmadison.com