What is the primary goal of Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) programs?

• A. Incarceration of individuals in crisis.
• B. Safe de-escalation and connection to mental-health services for individuals in crisis.
• C. Reducing police contact with communities.
• D. Strict enforcement with no consideration of mental health.

Answer: (B)

Crisis Intervention Team programs are designed to help officers respond to mental health crises with safety and compassion, prioritizing safe de-escalation and connecting individuals to appropriate mental-health services. This focus on calming the situation and linking people to treatment rather than punishment is what makes this answer the best.

Why this fits: CIT training equips officers with skills to recognize signs of mental illness, use de-escalation techniques, and partner with mental health professionals or mobile crisis teams to get the person the help they need. The aim is to reduce harm, injuries, and unnecessary policing outcomes by diverting individuals to treatment when appropriate, rather than defaulting to arrest or force.

Why the other ideas don’t fit: Incarceration is not the primary goal of CIT; while contact with law enforcement can occur, the program emphasizes treatment and safety over punishment. Reducing police contact with communities misses the point—CIT focuses on improving responses during crises when contact happens. Strict enforcement with no consideration of mental health contradicts the training and purpose of CIT, which centers on understanding mental health needs and appropriate care.