CIT Training for Police Officers

Overseen By Michael T. Compton, MD, MPH

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Columbia University

Disqualifiers: Non-police officers, Non-English speakers, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training can enhance police officers' crisis-handling skills. It examines whether the training improves officers' verbal and non-verbal techniques for de-escalating tense situations and making fair decisions. Participants will be divided into two groups: one will receive CIT training, and the other will not. The trial seeks police officers who speak English, have not previously undergone CIT training, and are willing to be tested before and after the training. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the opportunity to contribute to valuable research that could improve police training and community safety.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial protocol does not specify whether participants must stop taking their current medications.

What prior data suggests that CIT training is safe for police officers?

Research has shown that Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training is generally well-liked by police officers. Studies indicate that officers who complete CIT training often feel more satisfied and believe they use less force in their work. CIT is a 40-hour program designed to help officers better manage crisis situations. Although no direct evidence of safety issues with CIT training exists, it's important to understand that this training is educational, not medical. It doesn't involve any physical treatments or medications, making it naturally safe for participants. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training for police officers because it offers a proactive approach to handling mental health crises. Unlike traditional police methods that may rely heavily on authority and control, CIT training emphasizes de-escalation techniques and understanding mental health conditions. This 40-hour curriculum equips officers with skills to safely and effectively interact with individuals experiencing mental health issues, potentially reducing the need for force and improving outcomes for those in crisis. By fostering better communication and empathy, CIT training aims to create safer interactions and build trust between law enforcement and the community.

What evidence suggests that CIT training is effective for improving police officers' crisis de-escalation skills?

Research shows that Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training can help police officers handle crisis situations more effectively. In this trial, officers in the experimental group will receive a 40-hour CIT training curriculum. Studies indicate that officers who undergo CIT training often feel more satisfied with their work and notice a reduction in their use of force. Evidence suggests that CIT training enhances officers' ability to calm tense situations using words instead of force. Some research also suggests that CIT-trained officers make better decisions during crises, affecting how they manage different situations. Overall, CIT training positively influences how officers respond to crises. ^{1 2 3 5 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Michael T. Compton, MD, MPH

Principal Investigator

Columbia University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for English-speaking police officers aged 18 or older who have not undergone CIT training. They must be willing to undergo testing and randomization to either receive the training or not, and able to complete follow-up tests at 3 and 6 months.

Inclusion Criteria

English-speaking

I am willing to undergo testing and possibly receive training, with follow-ups at 3 and 6 months.

Employment as a police officer from participating site

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Training

Police officers receive a 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training curriculum

1 week

Assessment

Participants undergo assessments at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months post-randomization to evaluate verbal crisis de-escalation skills and other outcomes

6 months

3 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after training

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training

Trial Overview The study examines if a 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training improves police officers' crisis de-escalation skills, procedural justice, and decision-making. Officers are randomly assigned to either get the CIT training or not, with assessments before, after 3 months, and after 6 months.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: CIT officers Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Police officers randomized to the experimental group will receive a 40-hour CIT training curriculum.

Group II: Non-CIT officers Active Control 1 Intervention

Police officers randomized to the no-intervention group will not receive the 40-hour CIT training curriculum.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Columbia University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,529

Recruited

2,832,000+

Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc.

Collaborator

Trials

68

Recruited

21,100+

University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

Collaborator

Trials

52

Recruited

6,200+

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Collaborator

Trials

3,007

Recruited

2,852,000+

Wayne State University

Collaborator

Trials

318

Recruited

111,000+

Citations

1. jaapl.org jaapl.org/content/early/2019/09/24/JAAPL.003863-19

Effectiveness of Police Crisis Intervention Training Programs Studies generally support that CIT has beneficial officer-level outcomes, such as officer satisfaction and self-perception of a reduction in use of force.

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11956719/

Crisis Intervention Team Mental Health Training for Law ... The study is designed to answer four research questions: (1) Does CIT training impact officers' ability to demonstrate verbal crisis de‐escalation skills and ...

3. sheriff.org sheriff.org/Documents/Dr.%20Gregory%20Tony%20Final%20Dissertation%20.pdf

Dr. Gregory Tony Final Dissertation .pdf The problem to be addressed in this study is the lack of research-based data on the effectiveness of crisis intervention team (CIT) training for ...

4. neomed.edu neomed.edu/wp-content/uploads/CJCCOE_CIT_ResearchPublishedReports_Bib.pdf

Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) International In this paper we examine the effectiveness of fielding CIT-trained and supported officers for influencing call outcomes using data from patrol officers (n = 112) ...

5. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1463462/full

Assessing law enforcement officer skills in Crisis ... This paper outlines the development of standardized scenarios used to assess the efficacy of Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training in a randomized, ...

6. nami.org nami.org/advocacy/crisis-intervention/crisis-intervention-team-cit-programs/

Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Programs A Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program is an innovative, community-based approach to improve the outcomes of these encounters.