Cleveland Police Crisis Intervention Team policies released for public comment

Today, new Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) policies developed by the Cleveland Division of Police in cooperation with the Consent Decree Monitoring Team, the Department of Justice, the Mental Health Response Advisory Committee which work with the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Cuyahoga County and the United States Attorney’s Office were released for public comment and feedback.  Mayor Frank G. Jackson and Chief of Police Calvin D. Williams welcome and encourage the public to participate in this feedback process prior to submitting the policies to Judge Oliver Solomon for filing. 

“The Crisis Intervention Team Policies are a major component for the City in implementing the Consent Decree,” said Mayor Frank G. Jackson. “These new policies will continue to create the conditions that foster positive interactions between our police and the communities they serve.”

“These policies are the result of collaborative efforts and reflect national best practices,” said U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon. “They will ensure that our most vulnerable citizens get the help they need. We welcome the public’s input as we continue our ongoing reform efforts.”

“The Cleveland Division of Police and the community led Mental Health Response Advisory Committee have produced a crisis intervention policy that will serve as a model for other cities,” said Monitoring Team member and crisis intervention expert Dr. Randolph Dupont.  “Cleveland has a right to be proud of this work.”

“The Cleveland Division of Police is committed to ensuring that the policies set in place for our officers reflect best practice along with safe tactics.” said Chief Calvin D. Williams.  “The revision of the Crisis Intervention Team order is yet another step toward making sure that we are providing optimum service to the citizens we are proud to serve each day.”

“These Crisis Intervention Team policies solidify our community’s goal of making Cleveland a city where everyone – including people living with mental illness and addiction - is treated safely with dignity and respect,” stated William M. Denihan, CEO of the ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County.

“Today, another milestone in the Consent Decree compliance process has been reached,” said Consent Decree Implementation Coordinator, Gregory A. White. “This was another outstanding collaborative effort between the Cleveland Division of Police, the Mental Health Response Advisory Committee, the monitoring team, the Department of Justice and the United States Attorney’s Office.  Special recognition should also go to the Policy Sub-Committee of the Mental Health Response Advisory Committee, chaired by Common Pleas Judge Hollie L. Gallagher and Gabriella Celeste, Director of Child Policy at Case Western Reserve University Center for Child Studies.   Final public comment is now welcome prior to the policies being filed for approval under the Consent Decree.”

A public meeting to discuss the proposed policies will be held on December 13, 2016 at two locations and at separate times.

• The first public meeting is December 13^th, 1:00 p.m. at the Murtis Taylor Human Services System, 13422 Kinsman Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44120
• The second public meeting is December 13^th, 6:00 p.m. at the Urban Community School, 4909 Lorain Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44102

View the proposed policies and provide feedback here: http://www.clevelandpolicemonitor.net/crisis-intervention