New pins identify officers trained in crisis intervention

For more information, contact:
KCPD CIT Squad
816-581-0696

Kansas City Missouri Police officers who have received special training in crisis intervention are wearing new pins on their uniforms to identify themselves.

KCPD’s Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) officers always wear a pin above their nameplate. Consumers with mental illness and substance abuse problems, as well as their family members, have told officers they look for the pin so they know they are dealing with someone specially trained to handle crisis situations. KCPD and other Kansas City-area officers have worn the same pin for many years.

The Missouri Crisis Intervention Team Council recently approved a new statewide pin that KCPD members now are wearing. It features the state of Missouri and the letters “CIT” across it. KCPD switched pins to be part of the statewide movement so everyone in Missouri will be able to recognize a CIT officer. Residents are encouraged to ask for a CIT officer if a situation involves someone in a mental health or substance abuse crisis.

The Missouri Crisis Intervention Team Council also is working to implement a statewide CIT curriculum and to have at least one officer in every law enforcement agency in the state CIT certified.