By Taylor Ragano
Advocating for Comprehensive CIT Training in Law Enforcement
In recent years, the intersection of mental health crises and law enforcement has illuminated critical shortcomings in how we support individuals in distress. I do deeply respects law enforcement—my brother serves as an officer—I understand firsthand the complexities of police interactions during mental health episodes. It's a reality that many individuals, including myself, can feel fearful or uncomfortable when experiencing mental health episodes, despite our respect for the role of police. As someone who has experienced severe bipolar episodes since my late teens, I've encountered firsthand the harrowing effects of inadequate police training in handling mental health crises. During one particularly distressing episode, I found myself subjected to unnecessary force and intimidation by police officers who lacked the necessary skills to de-escalate the situation, resulting in physical brutality that left lasting trauma.
This personal perspective underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training program to become mandatory for all police officers across Virginia. Currently, officers the mandate for mental health training for all cop is only a couple hours of virtual training. This basic training does not adequately equip officers with the essential skills needed to de-escalate and support individuals in crisis. Only some officers receive CIT training, and it is not mandatory for all cops to undergo it. I aim to change this disparity.
CIT training, on the other hand, is a rigorous 40-hour program conducted over five days. It provides officers with in-depth knowledge of mental health issues, de-escalation techniques, and effective crisis communication. However, the current challenge lies in accessibility—CIT training is not uniformly available across all counties and is not integrated into standard police academy curricula.
To address this gap, I propose integrating CIT training into police academy curricula statewide and ensuring that certified officers can offer this course locally in every county. By embedding CIT training into initial police training, we can ensure that all officers receive standardized, comprehensive preparation in handling mental health crises effectively.
Certified officers would visibly wear distinctive badges or vests, signifying their specialized training, particularly in settings like emergency rooms and psychiatric wards. This visual representation aims to build trust and alleviate anxiety during interactions with individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
By enhancing the relationship between law enforcement and mental health advocates through CIT training, we can improve officer and public safety while ensuring better outcomes for individuals in crisis. My goal is to garner community endorsements and propose legislation mandating CIT training statewide. I aim to work closely with legislators to advocate for this initiative and push it into law, creating a more compassionate and effective response system that upholds the dignity and rights of every member of our community during times of crisis. Together, we can make meaningful strides towards a safer and more supportive environment for all.
It is imperative that we advocate for the implementation of CIT training as a standard practice statewide. By doing so, we can create a more compassionate and effective response system that respects the dignity and rights of individuals experiencing mental health challenges. Together, let's strive for a future where every interaction between law enforcement and people experiencing mental health crises is rooted in empathy, support, and professionalism, fostering trust and mutual understanding.
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