Crisis Intervention Team brochure (PDF)
The Lakeville Police Department is dedicated to helping our residents through mental health crises, both during the crisis and afterwards. We have several specially trained officers that go out into the community and work with our residents that are living with mental illnesses of all types.
Certified Trained Officers
The Lakeville Police Department sends its officers to Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training. CIT certification is a 40-hour intense and interactive program that presents an in-depth look at mental illness and its implications for police officers. CIT training covers the following:
- Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders
- Mood disorders
- Cognitive disorders
- Personality and substance disorders
- Suicide assessment, adolescent and elder issues
- PTSD
- Excited delirium
- "Suicide by cop"
- Mental health courts
People living with mental health issues speak at the classes about their experiences with their own illness. Field trips to mental health hospitals to speak with doctors and patients are completed, as well as extensive and intense role play scenarios with professional actors.
Officers that become certified through this program will demonstrate mental health awareness, communication techniques, de-escalation skills and follow-up advice. The training equips officers with the skills necessary to greatly help and impact our residents dealing with mental health issues.
Resources
One in five people will experience a mental health issue in their lifetime. Do not suffer in silence—help is available. Contact these available resources:
