Cascade County Revives Crisis Intervention Training to Divert Mental Health Calls from Jail

Context Cascade County has reinstituted Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) for its first responders following a multi-year hiatus. This specialized program equips law enforcement and emergency personnel to effectively respond to mental health crises, diverting individuals from the criminal justice system toward appropriate care. The Cascade County Sheriff's Office and the Great Falls Police Department partner in this renewed effort.

Key Facts The week-long training provides officers, EMS personnel, and counselors with specific tools to manage mental health crises, according to GFPD Patrol Captain Doug Otto. This training emphasizes communication and de-escalation techniques. Sheriff Jesse Slaughter states that the crisis intervention team employs a team approach, meeting individuals in mental health distress where they are to divert them from jail. Historically, incarceration was a primary response to such crises, a method now recognized as unhelpful for the individual's mental health journey.

Currently, four Great Falls Police officers have completed this specialized training. More officers are scheduled to participate in upcoming classes, indicating a commitment to broader implementation across the force. The program aims to ensure that responding officers can provide personalized support rather than defaulting to traditional law enforcement tactics that may escalate a crisis.

What It Means This initiative recognizes the limitations of conventional law enforcement responses for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. When officers arrive with badges and weapons, it can exacerbate a person's distress, hindering effective resolution. The CIT program prioritizes connecting individuals with mental health resources, aiming to reduce unnecessary arrests and incarceration for those whose primary need is clinical intervention. This approach is intended to create safer, more effective encounters for both the public and responders.

Future class enrollments and a sustained reduction in mental health-related arrests will indicate the program's long-term impact on community welfare.