by Keith Nielsen

My father was fond of telling me, "Son, use the right tool for the right job." Although annoying at the time, when I finally figured out my dad knew what he was talking about, that small piece of advice has proven quite valuable. 

As police officers, we’re given an assortment of tools to handle a wide range of incidents; however, when dealing with people suffering from mental illness, the normal tools that we use day-in and day-out don’t seem to work as well as they should. Command presence, rapid fact finding, interrogation, confrontation, etc., are normally very effective tools and we employ them quite instinctively, perhaps automatically. When I use these historically effective tools on people that have a remarkably skewed sense of reality, instead of de-escalating, I am more likely to find myself transitioning to a more "hands-on" approach. There is an additional tool being taught at OPD called Crisis Intervention Team that seems to be more effective and reduces my exposure to injury, chief’s reports, internal affairs, and public ill will.

Over 400 law enforcement agencies nationwide are reporting success including reduced call load, healthier work environment, budgetary savings, and increased officer safety. Additionally, the people suffering from a mental crisis are getting the help they need. The data suggests that CIT programs are responsible. 

An unlikely union between OPD, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the Douglas County Prosecutors Office, corrections, healthcare providers, philanthropies, and private citizens are in the process of implementing a CIT program in the metro area. We are ahead of the curve in that Chief Warren, Sheriff Dunning, Alegent Health, and other stakeholders are not mandated to implement CIT due to an unfortunate accident or litigation for negligence (a.k.a., deliberate indifference) as with a few agencies outside Nebraska. All agree that CIT is a prudent response not just for cops, but also for the consumers of mental health services.

Currently, CIT consists of a 40-hour certification course that is generally offered two times a year for voluntary law enforcement personnel. Doctors and other professionals donate their time and expertise to provide students with tools, techniques, and resources that increase the officer’s ability to obtain higher quality outcomes. Upon successful completion, you are awarded a "CIT pin" that is worn on your uniform. This pin is increasingly recognized in the community and it alone has been reported to facilitate de-escalation.

A number of officers have remarked that not only was CIT some of the best training they’ve received, but have incorporated some of the techniques on a daily basis. If I could have an effective tool that doesn’t add any weight to my tool belt, who wouldn’t want it? Ask any CIT officer for their assessment of the training. I believe you’ll discover CIT is worth it.

CIT is not the panacea of de-escalation. Sometimes it isn’t appropriate or just won’t work regardless of skill level. But when you recognize the signs, my father’s adage of the right tool for the right job comes to mind. If you think you could benefit from CIT training, I encourage you to sign up. 

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