Ritchie Announces Funding for Crisis Intervention

Aid Will be Used to Train Law Enforcement To Handle Incidents  Involving Persons With Mental Illness

State Senator Patty Ritchie announced today that she has secured state funds for specialized training of  law enforcement officers in the City of Ogdensburg to help them more safely and effectively respond to people experiencing a mental health crisis.

The state assistance will support the establishment of a local Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), which will be comprised of  mental health providers and advocates, law enforcement officers, emergency services directors, and families of people with mental illness. The team will develop a curriculum and provide specialized training to help resolve potentially adverse situations involving people with mental illness and law enforcement.

 “Many communities across the country are establishing Crisis Intervention Teams to train law enforcement officers to recognize different types of mental illness, to intervene appropriately and get the person the help they need,” Senator Ritchie said.  “I’m pleased that this successful model is being brought to Ogdensburg so our local police can develop this expertise as well as create a safer environment for those with a mental illness as well as the entire community. 

Funding secured was included in the 2014-15 State Budget.  The money will reimburse local governments for the costs associated with the crisis intervention training. CIT programs typically provide 40 hours of training for law enforcement.

The goal of the program is to train up to 20 percent of the patrol force in each locality. Training will also include mental health first aid strategies for first responders to implement.