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SB 378

AN ACT CONCERNING FUNDING FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAMS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jeff Gordon

Connecticut bill allocates state funding to establish and expand police crisis intervention teams for de-escalating mental health and behavioral emergencies.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Appropriations
#lawenforcement #publicsafety #statefunds
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Bill Summary · SB 378

Legislative bill overview

SB 378 allocates state funding to support the development and operation of crisis intervention teams (CITs) within Connecticut law enforcement agencies. These specialized units train officers to de-escalate and respond to mental health crises, substance abuse incidents, and other behavioral emergencies without necessarily involving arrest or incarceration.

Why is this important

Crisis intervention teams have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing arrests for low-level offenses, decreasing use-of-force incidents, and improving outcomes for individuals experiencing mental health emergencies. Dedicated funding can expand these programs beyond well-resourced departments to smaller municipalities, potentially improving public safety and reducing costly emergency room visits and jail placements.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and budget priorities: Opponents may argue state funds should address root causes (mental health services, housing) rather than law enforcement programming, or compete with other urgent spending needs
  • Effectiveness metrics: Questions about whether CIT training produces measurable outcomes or simply shifts responsibility to police rather than redirecting calls to health professionals
  • Implementation equity: Unclear whether funding formula ensures rural and under-resourced departments receive proportional support or benefits primarily wealthy municipalities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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