Public Hearing: YES ☐ NO ☒ Department: Board of Commissioners - District 6
SUBJECT:
Title
Commission District(s): All Commission Districts
Resolution to Establish Mandatory Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) Continuing Education for DeKalb County Police Officers
Body
Information Contact: Commissioner Edward C. “Ted” Terry
Phone Number: 404-371-4909
PURPOSE:
This resolution purposes to establish mandatory Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) continuing education for DeKalb County Police Officers as a supportive effort to ensure that DeKalb County officers are most knowledgeable on tactics and skills to recognize when individuals have mental illness and are symptomatic, de-escalating crisis, and navigating people toward resources and help.
NEED/IMPACT:
The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners recognizes the importance of effective crisis intervention when dealing with individuals experiencing mental health crises or emotional distress and ongoing training and education are crucial to ensuring officers maintain and enhance their crisis intervention capabilities, especially with a noted increase in mental health issues, domestic violence, and higher numbers of violent youth offenders.
The Board of Commission further understands how policing is one of the most mentally taxing occupations contending with long and often rotating shifts, threats of violence, increased need for hypervigilance, and a lack of public support. This resolution supports our officers by mandating CIT and continuing education to ensure they are reinforced with the most current tactics and techniques available.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Fiscal impact is not known at this time.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
To approve the resolution and authorize the chief executive officer to execute all necessary documents to establish mandatory Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) continuing education for DeKalb County Police Officers.