Part 4/12:
In response to these concerns, numerous reforms have emerged across U.S. cities, ranging from improved police training to entirely rethinking response strategies. One notable development is the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) model, established by Memphis police in 1988 after a tragic incident involving an individual with mental illness. The CIT program trains officers—often requiring 40 hours of specialized instruction—to de-escalate crises, identify mental health issues, and connect individuals to appropriate services.