Crisis intervention team (CIT) training in the jail/detention setting: a case illustration

Research has documented the over-representation of persons with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMJ) in jails and prisons. Further increased attention has been directed to jail diversion programs and other attempts to prevent incarceration of adults with SPMI. Yet, regardless of available diversion programs, and recent trends in mental health within correctional settings, jails continue to see a disproportionate increase in inmates with SPMI. Thepurpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the research, public policy, and current best practices for the development and implementation of Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training as an in-house intervention in jail/detention-based settings. Our review provides support for deploying this specialized law enforcement response program to address the needs of mentally ill persons within jail settings. Strategies and issues in the utilization of the CIT model in detention contexts are discussed.