Springdale, Arkansas is the state’s 4th largest city and boasts a population of nearly 88,000.
Around 2008, Springdale proudly adopted the only active Crisis Intervention Team program in the state at the time and they continue to expand the reach throughout the community by including the local university, the fire department, schools, churches, and other area organizations. One significant positive outcome of Springdale’s CIT program expansion includes reducing the instances of repeat callers due to connecting residents in need with effective resources. Springdale operates from the mindset that the role of law enforcement can change from the “doers” to the “facilitators”. Cohort 2022.
Program Goals
Springdale plans to use the grant funding to employ additional CIT officers and to support a full-time Crisis Intervention Specialist to work with an existing social work internship program through the University of Arkansas. CIT officers provide active crisis intervention, jail diversion, and connection with appropriate community resources. Part of the implementation process includes education on crisis intervention for law enforcement, communications personnel, and the community.
Key Partnership Organizations
NWA Crisis Stabilization Unit | UAMS | NW Medical Center | Vantage Point | Springwoods | Community Clinic