Crisis Intervention Training program will give Cleveland Police tools needed to de-escalate conflict

CPD
CPD(WOIO)
Published: Jan. 19, 2022 at 7:13 PM EST
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CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - Mental health is now front and center for Cleveland Police Officers that work in times of conflict.

The Cleveland City Council’s Safety Committee approved an emergency ordinance Wednesday, allowing the Director of Public Safety to apply for and accept a grant from the United States Department of Justice.

The COPS Community Policing Department Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT) Grant would allow the director to enter into one or more contracts with the Cuyahoga County Alcohol Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board.

The amount of the grant was not disclosed.

The program’s goal is to have officers help juveniles combat substance use disorders, mental illness and help them find resources to assist I their recovery.

According to CIT Training Coordinator, Captain James McPike, their goal is to have 25% to 35% of the department go through the training over the next four years.

That would be about 400 officers.

Councilwoman Stephanie D. Howse, who sits on the committee, voiced her approval for the program, saying it can help officers better address the issues many Cleveland communities are facing.

“In Ward 7, in particular, I always find that there is a need you know to have more specialized attention for people who are going through many traumatic situations,” she said.

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