A pilot program expanding training for Florida law enforcement dealing with people who have mental health issues got thousands of dollars in funding in the state budget.
Florida Sheriffs Association Executive Director Steve Casey says he’s grateful to the Florida Legislature and the Governor for approving $800,000 in funding for Crisis Intervention Team, or CIT training. He says it’s important more law enforcement know what to do when responding to a mental health call, so that person can get the proper treatment—rather than be put in the criminal justice system.
“Well, it’s important to the Sheriffs because they have officers that respond to 911 calls on a regular basis, and in often times, they’re encountering people who are in crisis,” said Casey. “So, preparing their deputies to understand some of the signs of situations like that so they can better assess the situation and handle it. Very important to that.”
The money for the training will cover three years. The goal is for all 67 sheriffs in the state to participate as well as expanding it to police departments that don’t do CIT Training.
For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.
