Establishes a crisis intervention team program

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Parker

Bill S 5953 establishes Crisis Intervention Teams in law enforcement to improve mental health crisis responses, ensuring timely care and reducing criminal justice involvement.

REFERRED TO MENTAL HEALTH

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 5953 aims to establish a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program designed to improve responses to mental health crises. The intent is to enhance collaboration between law enforcement and mental health professionals, ensuring that individuals experiencing mental health emergencies receive appropriate care and support rather than being subjected to the criminal justice system.

Key Provisions

Crisis Intervention Team Formation: The bill mandates the creation of specialized teams within law enforcement agencies that include trained officers and mental health professionals.

Training Requirements: Officers participating in the CIT program will undergo specific training focused on mental health issues, de-escalation techniques, and crisis management strategies.

Community Collaboration: The program will encourage partnerships with local mental health organizations, hospitals, and community services to provide comprehensive support during crises.

Data Collection and Reporting: The bill includes provisions for collecting data on the effectiveness of the CIT program, including response times, outcomes of interventions, and community feedback.

Who Would Be Affected

Law Enforcement Agencies: Police departments will be required to implement the CIT program, which may involve reallocating resources and training personnel.

Individuals in Crisis: The primary beneficiaries will be individuals experiencing mental health crises, who will receive more appropriate and timely interventions.

Mental Health Professionals: The program will create opportunities for mental health professionals to work directly with law enforcement, fostering a collaborative approach to crisis management.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduced Date: The bill was introduced on March 4, 2025.

Current Status: As of the latest update, the bill has been referred to the Mental Health committee for further consideration.

Related Legislation: This bill is part of a broader legislative effort, with related bills from prior sessions (S 6844, S 4126, S 4679, S 5857) indicating ongoing legislative interest in mental health crisis intervention strategies.

Conclusion

Bill S 5953 represents a significant step toward improving mental health crisis responses through structured collaboration between law enforcement and mental health services. By establishing a Crisis Intervention Team program, the bill seeks to ensure that individuals in crisis receive the appropriate care and support they need, ultimately aiming to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues and improve community safety.

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