Use grant funds to establish and train a Crisis Response and Intervention Team (CRIT). This team would attend "train the trainer" sessions to train additional department officers.

The Sterling Heights Police Department proposes to implement Collaborative Crisis Response and Intervention Training (CRIT). The purpose is to improve responses to and outcomes for people in crisis who come into contact with law enforcement. Project activities include developing a patrol training program to improve crisis response and intervention for people in crisis, including collaborative training with community service providers and to evaluate a training program based on the Bureau of Justice Assistance's (CRIT) Curriculum. Expected outcomes include the development of a 40-hour training program for road patrol officers allowing for the increased understanding of behavioral health conditions and disabilities; navigating community resources; improving de-escalation skills within the Sterling Heights Police Department's patrol and facility-based staff; and performing regular program assessments and evaluations. The intended beneficiaries of the grant will include the Sterling Heights Police Department's Road Patrol officers as well as the citizens of this community who are experiencing a mental health crisis and come into contact with law enforcement. No additional subrecipients have been added in this proposal.