STRATEGIC WORKPLAN 1
Strategic Workplan: Mental Health and Crisis Intervention
Kristina Burkhart
Helms School of Government, Liberty University
STRATEGIC WORKPLAN 2
Abstract
In recent years, the role of law enforcement in assisting individuals facing mental health issues
has become increasingly crucial. As first responders, police officers are often the ones to
encounter individuals in crises. However, many officers lack the necessary training in de-
escalation techniques and other mental health scenarios, leaving them feeling ill-prepared to
handle such situations. It is, therefore, vital for law enforcement agencies to establish training
policies that address volatile and aggressive service calls adequately. Collaboration with local
mental health care providers is essential in this regard. Police agencies should work in
partnership with mental health professionals to develop Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) programs
that aim to improve police-community relations and prevent individuals with mental illnesses
from becoming involved in the criminal justice system.
Keywords: Mental Health, Law Enforcement, Training, De-escalation, Crisis Intervention
Team (CIT) programs.
STRATEGIC WORKPLAN 3
Original Task
In recent times, law enforcement has played an increasingly vital role in supporting
