Training police officers to better handle mental health crises

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This research investigates the effectiveness of a specialized training program for police officers, known as the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) model, aimed at improving their interactions with individuals experiencing serious mental illnesses or psychiatric crises. The program includes a 40-hour training course designed to enhance officers' skills in de-escalation and crisis management. By conducting a randomized, controlled trial across multiple sites, the study aims to rigorously assess how this training impacts officers' actual behaviors and decision-making in real-life situations. The goal is to ensure that officers are better equipped to respond to mental health emergencies, ultimately improving outcomes for those in crisis.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Columbia University Health Sciences
  New York, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Compton, Michael T — Columbia University Health Sciences
• Study coordinator: Compton, Michael T

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Interactive storytelling web app to help Latinas start mental health care

  This project offers a bilingual, choice-driven storytelling web app to help Latina women with depression or anxiety begin mental health treatment.

  NIH research University of California Los Angeles · Los Angeles, United States · NIH-11380577

• Precision digital mental health support for young children in childcare

  A new AI-assisted program in childcare centers aims to improve early mental health and behavior for children 0-11 by combining a mobile app with human consultant support.

  NIH research University of Miami School of Medicine · Coral Gables, United States · NIH-11345905

• Enhanced problem-solving therapy and HIV engagement support to improve mental health and HIV outcomes for women with HIV in Malawi

  This trial tests a counseling-based program designed to support perinatal mental health and keep women with HIV engaged in HIV care after birth in Malawi.

  NIH research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · Chapel Hill, United States · NIH-11286623

• Improving police responses to mental health crises with Crisis Intervention Team training

  This project compares whether 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training helps police officers respond more safely and helpfully to people with serious mental illness or psychiatric crises.

  NIH research Columbia University Health Sciences · New York, United States · NIH-11238874

• Omnis Salutis Whole Health program for recent Veterans with stress-related mental health concerns

  A brief, Veteran-focused Whole Health program called Omnis Salutis aims to help recent OIF/OEF/OND Veterans with PTSD, anxiety, depression, or alcohol problems improve how they feel and function.

  NIH research VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System · Aurora, UNITED STATES · NIH-11222676

• Helping homeless veterans with mental health and substance use issues through a new treatment program

  This study is testing a new support program called MISSION-CJ to help homeless veterans struggling with mental health and substance use issues, by providing them with a caring team to guide them towards better choices and access to care.

  NIH research Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital · Bedford, United States · NIH-11176724

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.