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"Communities large and small are
seeking answers to managing crisis issues and crisis services. When
changes are mandated, community collaborations and partnerships are the
key. Advocates have long asserted that law enforcement personnel often do
not receive adequate mental health training, resulting in ineffective and
sometimes fatal encounters or outcomes. In 1988, Memphis introduced the
first Crisis Intervention Team as a vital component to the community's
demand for safer first responder crisis services. CIT partnerships led to
changes in existing systems and stimulated the development of new
infrastructures for services/care. Suicide attempts and mental health
crisis concerns are recognized as a priority. Crises are about people,
about our community, our families, our friends, and our loved ones. CIT
is built and founded on principals of dignity, understanding, kindness,
hope and dedication. Suicide encounters and those crises relating to
mental illnesses are about our community, our friends, loved ones, and
us. It is a fundamental requirement that crisis services and care are
present."
- Major Sam Cochran
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