The Shreveport Police Department and Shreveport FireDepartment implemented Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) in 2020 and as aresult of that training a Mental Health Unit was created for SPD. The goal ofthe Mental Health Unit is to better respond to the growing mental health needsof the communities we serve, as well as to help officers cope with stressorsfaced on a daily basis.  

Instructors are providing 40-hour CIT courses to SPD officers,jailers, communication officers and members of the Shreveport Fire Department.64 SPD officers have undergone CIT and the goal is for every first responder tocomplete the course.

-         CIT provides SPD with a better understanding ofmental illnesses and developmental disorders and provides communication skillsneeded to deescalate situations.

-         Collaboration with community partners to connectpeople with resources to reduce the need for law enforcement to respond tomental health crises.

-         Dispatching officers who have completed CIT tocalls where they can identify a mental health component.

-         LSU Health Shreveport has partnered with SPD forCIT.

-         A Crisis Response Committee began meeting inJune 2021 and is comprised of public safety and mental health professionals andnon-profit organizations.

Community Development is funding mental healthprograms that are available to the public and interested individuals can call 318-673-5900.

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