Oakland County Sheriff Deputies & Other Local Law Enforcement Receive Crisis Intervention Training thru OCCMHA Grant

The first of two, five-day Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training’s for Oakland County Sheriff Deputies and other local law enforcement begins on Monday, May 4, 2015 , in Auburn Hills. A second training is scheduled for the week of May 18, 2015.

CIT is a nationally recognized, community program that establishes a partnership between law enforcement and mental health professionals. It is strategically designed to promote positive outcomes during crisis situations that require police assistance.

“Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority (OCCMHA) received a $275,000 Jail Diversion grant from the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) earlier this year with the goal of providing CIT training to Oakland County Sheriff’s Deputies, as well as law enforcement representatives from Farmington Hills, Southfield, and West Bloomfield,” explains OCCMHA Executive Director and CEO, Willie Brooks. “We are especially thankful for the State’s vision in supporting this valuable initiative, as well as the opportunity to provide local law enforcement officers with the necessary resources to help ensure their success in assisting people in crisis.”

Deputies who participate in CIT will receive 40 hours of comprehensive mental health training, which includes information about mental illness and developmental disabilities, opportunities to speak with advocates, individuals with mental illness and their families, and participation in role-playing scenarios.

“It is well worth mentioning that each of the deputies receiving CIT training at both sessions in May is doing so on a volunteer basis,” said Oakland County Sheriff, Michael Bouchard. “Their dedication to be better prepared when responding to individuals in crisis, especially those who have a mental health disorder, is an accurate reflection of the level of commitment to community safety adhered to by the entire Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.”

Law enforcement agencies throughout the country that utilize CIT have experienced significant reductions in the number of officer and personal injuries, as well as a decrease in arrest rates. Other benefits inspired by CIT include improved community relationships between officers, persons with mental illness, and their families, de-stigmatization of individuals with mental illness, and increased officer recognition and appreciation.

CIT originated in Memphis, Tennessee in 1987. Kalamazoo and St. Joseph are the only communities that have CIT programs in Michigan.

About OCCMHA

Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority is the public mental health system responsible for identifying, influencing, and delivering services and supports to approximately 27,000 Oakland County residents, including adults and children with developmental disabilities; adults with serious mental illness or substance use disorders; and children with serious emotional disturbance.

OCCMHA’s current network of service providers include: Common Ground, Community Housing Network, Community Living Services, Community Network Services, Easter Seals Michigan, Macomb-Oakland Regional Center, Oakland Family Services, Inc., and Training and Treatment Innovations. A complete list of substance use service providers is available on OCCMHA’s website. For more information about OCCMHA call (800) 341-2003 or visit www.occmha.org.