Crisis Intervention Team Names Officer of the Year

Press Release December 5, 2007

New Horizons of the Treasure Coast announced that Officer Kimberly Bailey, of the Port St. Lucie Police Department, received the 2007 Crisis Intervention Team Officer of the Year Award.

Law enforcement officials, community leaders and mental health advocates gathered together to honor Bailey and 84 of her peers who have completed Crisis Intervention Training.  The award was presented during the C.I.T. Appreciation Breakfast on November 14 at Norris’s Steak House. 

Bailey was recognized for her successful efforts in handling numerous situations involving citizens with mental illness. She was also praised for her help in starting the Treasure Coast C.I.T. program and for her care and concern for people who are living with a mental illness.

She was one of four officers nominated for the award.  Other nominees were:  Officer Bill Dramis, the Port St. Lucie Police Department; Deputy Leah Stephens, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office; and Officer Kristin Anderson, Fort Pierce Police Department. 

Chief Sean Baldwin, Fort Pierce Police Department, served as Master of Ceremonies for this inaugural event.  He has been an enthusiastic supporter of the crisis intervention training. “C.I.T is part of a revolution going on in law enforcement in dealing with the mentally ill,” he said. 

Through the Crisis Intervention Training, law enforcement officers learn techniques on how to deal with people living with a mental illness.  Rather than using force, officers learn how to talk an individual through a difficult situation and work toward a peaceful outcome.  Instead of crowding the jails, the individuals receive care and treatment from a mental health facility.

New Horizons is the community mental health center and serves people living in Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie Counties.  The Treasure Coast Crisis Intervention Team is a collaboration that includes New Horizons, local law enforcement agencies, the school system and mental health advocacy groups. Throughout the year, the team schedules and presents Crisis Intervention Training. For additional information about C.I.T., contact Susan Barnard at New Horizons 772-468-5600.