System- and Policy-Level Challenges to Full Implementation of the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Model

The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) model of collaboration between law enforcement and mental health is widely recognized as being "more than just training" for police officers; the core elements of CIT include a number of other components. However, several system- and policy-level obstacles can make successful implementation of CIT difficult in many communities. Three such challenges are addressed in this article: insufficient training and policies for dispatchers, poor availability of psychiatric emergency receiving facilities, and complexities related to implementation of CIT in rural settings. Collaboratively addressing these and other challenges will undoubtedly advance the goals of CIT.