On May 26, 2021, area law enforcement agencies concluded a 40 hour Crisis Intervention Team training course held at Houston storm shelter. Law enforcement officers from the Texas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Ozark County Sheriff’s Office, Cabool Police Department, Houston Police Department, Licking Police Department, along with the Texas County Public Administrator’s Office and the Texas County Health department attended the training.
The Missouri Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Council is a network of representatives from each established local council across the state, Community Mental Health Liaisons (CMHLs), state agencies and associations, and those with lived experience. The Council works to address any structural barriers at the state level and advocates for policy and legislative changes that may be necessary to support health and wellness. The Council also provides direction and support on the CIT curriculum, training expansion, and implementation of the program. The training in Houston was coordinated by Mandy Lindsey CMHL, for the Mid South Region and Perry County Detective Jason Klaus Missouri CIT coordinator. The classes were instructed by various professionals from area law enforcement agencies, courts, Ozarks Healthcare, and local Pharmacist Amanda Cook. Attendees also had the opportunity to discuss crisis situations with people who described their personal experiences and interactions with law enforcement.