City launches innovative crisis intervention program for mental health

In a recent government meeting, city officials discussed the implementation of a new Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program, which aims to enhance mental health support and reduce the burden on police resources. The program will be funded by a one-time grant, with the city responsible for ongoing expenses unless additional funding is secured in the future.

Chief of Police highlighted the evolution of the CIT program, noting that it has transitioned from relying on external resources to training officers internally to handle mental health crises. The new initiative will focus on proactive measures, including tracking residents who frequently require police assistance, thereby aiming to address their needs before emergencies arise.

Lieutenant Zuniga elaborated on the program's components, which will include two full-time officers dedicated to mental health outreach, particularly within local school districts. The officers will distribute mental health awareness materials and provide resources for students, while also addressing drug dependency issues through the distribution of Narcan and fentanyl test kits.

Officials emphasized the importance of this program in light of Oklahoma's high rates of mental illness and low investment in treatment. The initiative is expected to improve safety for both citizens and officers, while also reducing unnecessary police interventions. The meeting concluded with a commendation for the police department's efforts in managing mental health crises without lethal incidents, a notable achievement compared to national trends.