The criminal justice system
The criminal justice system often becomes the first point of contact for treatment of persons with mental illness. As such, professionals in the system must have strategies and processes for interacting ethically and safely with members of this population and for promoting the welfare of individuals with mental illness and the safety interests of the community. There are many programs that provide frameworks for working with this population. The crisis intervention team (CTI) or “Memphis Model” is considered one of the gold standards. It was developed in partnership with the Memphis Police Department and University of Memphis and is now promoted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
To Prepare
Explore the resources about the CIT model in this week’s Learning Resources.
Consider the value of such programs in our current criminal justice system.
The Assignment (2 pages)
Your submission should include the following:
An explanation of specific areas in which programs like CIT can benefit law enforcement and the communities they serve
An explanation of potential risks to people with mental illness, community members, and criminal justice professionals that could exist without commitment to such programs
Requirements: 2 pages
Answer preview
The CIT program should not be viewed as a training requirement for law enforcement officers but rather a partnership that should be established among the community, mental healthcare providers, and the police department. The program is based on understanding and strong relationships between the three stakeholders to make it effective. Through the program, the community, healthcare giver, and law enforcement learn how they respond to people with mental issues as they understand their situation. We must acquire skills to respond with efficiency when exposed to such conditions. Understanding the program should not be only for law enforcement officers and mental health providers; we as individuals
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The criminal justice system
