Learn about how SLMPD officers are trained in Crisis Intervention Team skills to effectively handle interactions with individuals in behavioral health crises and reduce the potential for violence.
BHR youth support group, courtesy of BHR
SLMPD has trained its officers in Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) skills since 2004. These skills are vital to our interactions with persons who may benefit from de-escalation and/or need assistance with behavioral health or substance-use needs. The core mission of CIT is to reduce the potential for violence during police interaction involving a person experiencing a behavioral health crisis, who would benefit from de-escalation, and may also need assistance with behavioral health resources. The idea of CIT is community-based and brings law enforcement, mental health professionals, those with lived experience, and other community partners together to improve responses to persons experiencing a mental health crisis.
Since 2004, over 900 officers have been trained in the 40-hour week-long class. Here, they receive training on mental illness signs and symptoms, common medication, resources available, and tools such as de-escalation.
CIT-trained officers work with Community Mental Health Liaisons (CMHL) who conduct follow-ups on those that officers have interacted with. The CMHLs provide resources and connect them to care.
In February 2021, a new program under CIT began called the Crisis Response Unit (CRU) in cooperation with Behavioral Health Response (BHR). The CRU is comprised of 8 dedicated officers and 8 behavioral health clinicians. They work together responding to calls involving a behavioral health crisis, substance use, and trauma to provide resources and connection to care at the time of the incident. BHR and CMHLs will also provide follow-up and connection to care.
Also beginning in February 2021 is the 911 Diversion Program. The 911 Diversion Program takes place at the hub in Communications. Calls received are evaluated to see if it is a behavioral health crisis. Depending upon the level of crisis calls may be diverted directly to BHR so persons may speak with a mental health professional immediately.
All three enable SLMPD to work as a community partner and assist in providing resources or connection to care.
More:
At BHR, we believe in making mental health resources available to anyone in need. We’ve collected resources developed by our counselors and organizations that share our mission, to guide and support those struggling with mental health.
Crisis Hotline
If you’re in crisis, please call
1-800-811-4760
Local: 314-469-6644
Youth Suicide Prevention and Intervention Book
Youth Suicide Prevention and Intervention, Best Practices and Policy Interactions
BHR is proud to share the release of “Youth Suicide Prevention and Intervention, Best Practices and Policy Interactions.” The lifesaving book, comprised of chapters from mental health and suicide experts, addresses the public health crisis of youth suicide and discusses suicide prevention and intervention.
BHR’s chapter, co-written by Dr. Bart Andrews, Laura Coleman, Mandy Bowlin and Catherine Cox highlights BHR’s regional crisis hotline and details methods employed to address gaps in youth crisis response with the creation of the Youth Connection Helpline system. The chapter emphasizes the importance of integrating crisis hotlines with other community resources and the value of tracking outcomes to achieve intended goals. Guidance on how to implement and evaluate a youth-focused crisis system is provided. You can read the chapter here.
Youth suicide in the United States has been, and continues to be, a public health crisis. Tragically, there have been persistent increases in youth suicide rates in recent years despite increased resources and effort directed at this problem. The book’s objective is to provide clinicians, researchers, policy makers, or anyone passionate about suicide prevention research with current information across key domains of youth suicide prevention in a digestible format.
The must-read resource is open access, which offers free and unlimited access. Click here to read and download the book.
Behavioral Health Response (BHR)
5501 Delmar Blvd.
Suite 300B
St. Louis, MO 63112
Behavioral Health Response (BHR)
BHR Crisis Line – 314-469-6644
National Suicide Prevention Hotline 800-273-8255
NAMI (St. Louis) Helpline
314-962-4670
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