Date of Conferral

2-18-2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Scott Gfeller

Abstract

Police officers across the United States frequently respond to individuals experiencing mental health crises, yet many lack specialized training to manage these encounters effectively. The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) model was developed to improve law enforcement responses through collaboration with mental health professionals and an emphasis on de-escalation. Although prior research has examined measurable outcomes associated with CIT programs, limited qualitative research has explored CIT-trained officers’ lived experiences and perceptions of effectiveness. The purpose of this qualitative exploratory case study was to examine how CIT-trained officers use their skills to reduce arrest, officer and citizen injury, and use of force during encounters with mentally ill citizens. Procedural Justice Theory guided the study. Five CIT-trained officers from a North Mississippi police department participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using in vivo coding, pattern coding, and constant comparison until saturation was reached. Five themes emerged: increased patience and communication, challenges prior to CIT training, reduced arrests and use of force, the time-intensive nature of crisis calls, and experiential learning takeaways. Officers described greater discretion in arrest decisions, increased reliance on de-escalation, and a shift toward viewing behaviors as symptoms of mental illness instead of criminal intent. Although crisis calls required additional time, officers perceived improved safety outcomes. These findings provide qualitative insight into how CIT training shapes officer decision-making and support collaborative crisis response efforts that promote positive social change through safer interactions.

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