County Board Approves $500,000 to Fund Crisis Intervention Training Program

(Oakland County, Aug. 22, 2022)

Oakland County, MI – At its meeting on August 17, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved $500,000 for the establishment of a new Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) Pilot Program. Crisis intervention training better equips law enforcement officers to assist individuals with mental health concerns and/or addictions. The pilot program will be administered in partnership with the Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN).

“This pilot program is one of the steps we are taking to limit the tragedies of November 30th from ever happening again,” Commissioner Michael Spisz (R-Oxford) said. “Placing these additional capabilities into our communities will improve our ability to recognize problems before they happen. I am very excited about this partnership with OCHN that will expand training opportunities for law enforcement officers around our entire county.”

CIT provides a foundation to promote community solutions to assist individuals with a mental illness and/or addictions. The program aims to reduce the stigma of seeking mental health treatment and offer alternatives to the criminal justice system.

 

“CIT is important because mental health crises, and police intervention at these moments, are increasing rapidly,” Commissioner Charlie Cavell (D-Ferndale) said. “This program will help ensure that those struggling with mental health concerns or addiction not only have more positive interactions with the police but are supported with options that go beyond putting them in a jail cell.”

The $500,000 program includes:

  • $320,000 to expand Oakland County’s CIT program
  • $100,000 to fund a reimbursement grant for local law enforcement agencies that access training and education through the Oakland County CIT Pilot Program
  • $80,000 to fund a reimbursement grant for County personnel and local law enforcement agencies to achieve the CIT Program professional certification through CIT International

“This funding boost will help make sure that more of our local police departments are able to access CIT and its benefits without worrying about the costs.” Board Vice Chairwoman Marcia Gershenson (D-Bloomfield Twp.) said. “Our law enforcement officers respond to mental health calls regularly, and this program promotes both the safety of the public and the officers that serve us.”

The CIT Pilot Program is a part of the Board’s commitment to reducing violence in the community. In addition, Commissioner Cavell has introduced a resolution that would establish a gun buyback pilot program, which is on the agenda for the August 24 Finance Committee meeting. 

For more information about the Board of Commissioners, please visit www.oakgov.com/boc or call 248- 858-0100.