Week 3 class 561
300-400 words discussion
CIT in Action
Officer Williams is dispatched to a call about a 28-year-old man, Jason, behaving erratically in a local park. Witnesses report that Jason is yelling incoherently, pacing back and forth, and swinging a metal rod. Upon arrival, Officer Williams observes Jason appearing disoriented and agitated. Rather than immediately escalating the situation, Officer Williams, trained in Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) techniques, uses verbal de-escalation strategies. He maintains a calm demeanor, gives Jason space, and begins a dialogue, asking open-ended questions to determine Jason’s mental state.
Through their interaction, Officer Williams learns that Jason has schizophrenia, is off his medication, and is feeling overwhelmed by recent personal losses. By using CIT principles, Officer Williams avoids the use of force, secures the metal rod safely, and connects Jason with a mental health professional from a nearby crisis team. Jason agrees to go to a local crisis center for further evaluation and treatment, demonstrating the success of CIT in resolving potentially volatile situations without harm.
Initial Post:
Based on this scenario, please address the following in your initial post:
1. How did Officer Williams apply CIT techniques to de-escalate the situation? What specific strategies contributed to the positive outcome?
2. How could the use of CIT principles in this case benefit both law enforcement and the individual in crisis? How might the outcome differ if Officer Williams lacked CIT training?
3. What additional strategies or resources could be used in similar scenarios to enhance the response and outcomes for individuals with mental health issues?
Project
Police and Mental Health: Evolving Roles in Crisis Intervention
In March 2020, Daniel Prude, a Black man experiencing a mental health crisis, encountered police in Rochester, New York. His family had called 911 for help, seeking assistance for his mental health condition. The situation escalated, and Prude died after police restrained him using a controversial method. This incident sparked widespread protests, highlighting issues with police intervention in mental health crises and the need for systemic reform.
This article provides further background and context with respect to the case.
Through this assignment, you will explore the complex dynamics between law enforcement, mental health systems, and communities to propose ways to prevent similar tragedies.
Assignment instructions: This assignment has two parts:
Part 1: Interactive Brochure: Design a digital brochure that addresses the following:
1.
Overview of Police and Crisis Intervention
· The traditional role of police in crisis response.
· The growing focus on de-escalation and mental health training.
2.
The Daniel Prude Case Analysis
· Briefly outline the key events of the Daniel Prude case.
· Analyze what went wrong (e.g., lack of mental health support, use of force).
· Highlight systemic challenges revealed by the case.
3.
Key Takeaways and Recommendations
· Lessons learned from the Daniel Prude case.
· Proposals for improving police response (e.g., Crisis Intervention Teams, mental health professionals co-responding).
4.
Community and Mental Health Resources
· Provide links or information about resources such as National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and local crisis support systems.
For Part 1, submit the brochure as a PDF or an interactive online link in the appropriate dropbox. Here are some resources for you to use:
·
Picsart: The Professional Brochure Maker
·
Canva: Design and print beautiful brochures
·
Adobe: Make a custom brochure
Textbooks
· Shane, J. (2019). Stress Inside Police Departments. Taylor & Francis.
· James, R. (2024). Crisis Intervention Strategies (9th ed.). Cengage Learning US.