6/005.01 Crisis Intervention Team (C.I.T.)

Question 1

It is the policy of this department to handle incidents involving the mentally ill and those in crisis with care and expertise, ensuring that such persons receive a response which is appropriate to the needs of the individual involved.

The diversion of certain persons away from the criminal justice system and toward treatment, whenever available and appropriate, is a desirable option.

Whenever possible, patrol officers with specialized skills will be dispatched to provide direction and guidance during the initial patrol response to events involving persons who are in crisis, showing signs and symptoms of excited delirium (see 6.005.00) or who are believed to be mentally ill (see 5/105.12).

True or False?

Answer 1

True.

Question 2

All contacts made by officers who are dealing with persons who may be suffering from mental illness will be thoroughly investigated for adherence to procedures and policies. The results of these contacts as well as other related analyses will be the foundation for updating procedures and training.

True or False?

Answer 2

True.

Question 3

Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) officers are on-duty, uniformed patrol division officers who perform all normal patrol-related services, including routine response to calls for service.

They will be dispatched to certain events involving persons who are known to have a diagnosed mental illness or who are in a volatile emotional crisis. CIT officers are not SWAT officers or hostage/crisis negotiators.

True or False?

Answer 3

True.

Question 4

C.I.T. Officers are trained to:

Answer 4

1. Interact with persons who are mentally ill, in an emotional crisis, (including suicidal persons, subjects experiencing signs and symptoms of excited delirium, Alzheimer/dementia victims when violent and the developmentally disabled)
2. De-escalate crisis events and move them away from violent outcomes whenever possible
3. Fully utilize the resources/services available for the mentally ill in southern Nevada

Question 5

During the initial patrol response to an event involving a person believed to be mentally ill or who is experiencing a volatile emotional crisis, the _______ _______ _______ on the scene has the authority to direct police activities during the event unless relieved by a field supervisor.

Answer 5

senior CIT officer

Question 6

CIT officers are _______ for actions and outcomes relative to such events.

Answer 6

accountable

Question 7

CIT officers will be dispatched to:

Answer 7

1. Disturbances involving persons known or reported to have a diagnosed mental illness (including domestic events reported by family members, crimes involving the mentally ill, etc.)
2. Events involving persons threatening suicide under violent/volatile circumstances (individual armed and threatening/holding weapon/firearm/other instrument, threatening to jump from life-threatening height, etc.)
3. Persons who are experiencing the signs and symptoms of excited delirium (see 6/005.00)

Question 8

CIT officers will not be dispatched to events:

Answer 8

1. Involving threats of suicide which are vague/uncertain/unclear/non-violent/or where no immediate threat of harm is suggested or implied
2. Involving intentional or accidental overdose of individual who is not violent/combative and has no known diagnosed mental illness (NOTE: CIT will respond if an individual has a reported or diagnosed mental illness or escalating or volatile circumstances suggest immediate presence of CIT officer may be beneficial.)
3. Subject has been transported to hospital and officers are needed for report purposes only
4. To transport persons from one hospital/treatment facility to another hospital/treatment facility

Question 9

Logging on to MCT as CIT:

Officers trained for CIT will log on with CIT in the “rider” field. In addition, CIT will be listed in the special skills section of CAD system.

True or False?

Answer 9

True.

Question 10

Supervisors will ensure that officers who are CIT trained will have CIT noted on the _______ _______ next to the officer’s name.

Answer 10

daily lineup

Question 11

Procedure:

The Patrol Officer will:

Answer 11

1. Responds to event in accordance with current procedures for event type.
2. Requests CIT officer, when appropriate, through communications if none was previously assigned (must communicate sufficient information to dispatcher to justify request.)
3. Establishes and maintains radio contact, when possible, with responding CIT officer to coordinate tactics.

Question 12

CIT Officer responds to event in accordance with current procedures for event type.

True or False?

Answer 12

True.

Question 13

CIT Officer establishes and maintains radio contact, when possible, with responding patrol officers to _______ _______.

Answer 13

coordinate tactics

Question 14

CIT Officer considers a _______ _______ with responding officers near scene, when appropriate and time permitting, to coordinate response tactics.

Answer 14

pre-arrival meeting

Question 15

CIT Officer provides direction and guidance for responding patrol officers unless relieved by a field supervisor, assessing when possible, mental condition of subject, and develops tactics which will likely be successful based upon available information:

Answer 15

1. Obtains all available information from friends, family members, neighbors, and any other available sources
2. Evaluates history of subject, if known
3. Assesses need/potential need for use of force and coordinates appropriate tactics with assisting patrol officers
4. Takes advantage of low lethality options, when possible, adhering to all current procedures which may apply

Question 16

CIT Officer determines most appropriate course of action for individual involved, considering:

Answer 16

1. Legal 2000 (legal process required for involuntary commitment of mentally ill individual)
2. Voluntary removal to Westcare Crisis Triage Center (CTC), if available
3. Alternative voluntary treatment options
4. Arrest (seriousness of crime, status of victims, lack of other viable options)

Question 17

CIT Officer ensures that all available information which may assist mental health professionals or corrections personnel is documented using Legal 2000 form, arrest report/declaration, and/or officer’s report as appropriate; includes:

Answer 17

1. Diagnosis if known
2. Medications past/current
3. Specific statements and actions of subject
4. Contact information for nearest relative or responsible party

Question 18

CIT Officer in all cases involving hostage situations or armed and/or threatening barricaded subjects, immediately notifies field supervisor and requests SWAT and Crisis Negotiators pursuant to established procedures.

True or False?

Answer 18

True.

Question 19

CIT Officer completes CIT After-Action Report, LVMPD 367, for all CIT related responses, and ensures that _______ _______ initials report.

Answer 19

field supervisor

Question 20

CIT Officer in events involving the use of a weapon, threat of violence, or any other factor which may affect a later decision to release from custody, faxes the CIT After-Action Report to the _______ _______ at 828-1976.

Answer 20

CIT Coordinator

Question 21

The Field Supervisor will:

Answer 21

1. Acknowledges notification over the radio, and assumes responsibility for monitoring the event and ensuring that a CIT officer is en route as soon as possible.
2. Assumes command and control, if necessary, to ensure appropriate tactics are employed in the best interests of all parties involved.
3. Ensures SWAT/Crisis Negotiators are requested when appropriate and required by existing policy.
4. Ensures notification of Watch Commander when necessary.
5. Ensures completion of CIT After Action Report, LVMPD 367.