Research indicates that Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) programs, a police response to citizens with mental illness (consumers), are beneficial; however, much of it is qualitative and limited to assessing the impact of the training CIT officers receive without considering other factors affecting consumer dispositional outcomes. It also is unclear whether the observed benefits persist over time. The purpose of this research is to use empirical data to address some of these unanswered questions, especially as they surround officer behavior. This study found differences between large and small law enforcement agencies and changes in dispositions of consumers over time. Policy and practice implications are discussed.
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