Evaluation of a Crisis Intervention Team Pilot Program: Results from Baltimore, MD.

Abstract

The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program was developed as a resource on which police officers could rely when responding to behavioral health calls for service. Baltimore Police Department (BPD) piloted the CIT program in its Central District to address concerns regarding officer attitudes toward and treatment of persons experiencing behavioral health crises. This study used mixed methods to evaluate the effect of the CIT pilot on BPD officer attitudes regarding persons with mental illness and confidence managing behavioral health calls for service. Officer surveys and small group analyses found that Central District officers were more confident handling behavioral health calls for service than Eastern District officers post-pilot. More officers in the pilot district felt better prepared for behavioral health calls for service post-pilot than officers in the control district. Results indicate the CIT program is effective at improving officer confidence and attitude towards responding to behavioral health calls for service.