Purpose of Community Action Team (CAT)? 

• Establish and maintain programs that assist the homeless population 
• Ensure that police personnel understand the needs and rights of the homeless
• Establish procedures to guide officers during all contacts with the homeless
• Address the specialized needs and protection of the homeless and balance that with the overall mission of this department
• Educate the community that homelessness is NOT a crime and not a sole basis for detention or law enforcement action

What is the Main Function of CAT?

• Contact individuals experiencing homelessness
• Provide and maintain resources
• Assist with shelter/housing or other programs
• Community Education
• Maintain partnerships with other departments/agencies/businesses/services
• Enforcement action when necessary and appropriate

The Community Action Team assists in the area of Crisis Intervention regarding involuntary committals, transports to mental health facilities, and departmental training. With the large crossover between mental illness and the homeless population, they tend to be one of the largest groups to utilize different mental health resources.

You May Ask...What Should I Do If I See a Panhandler?

Giving money to panhandlers may feel like a good thing to do, however, in reality, your monetary donations allow transients the means to stay on the street longer, contributing to the homelessness epidemic.

Instead of giving money to panhandlers, please consider donating directly in the form of clothes, food, money, or other donations to a charity of your choice, which will in turn connect them with the right resources to help get them off the streets. See a list of vetted charities that directly help the homeless here.

What is Crisis Intervention Training (CIT)? 

• CIT trains law enforcement personnel to effectively and humanely interact with persons suffering from mental illness
• Crisis Intervention Training is a 40-hour, 5-day course approved by the AZ Peace Officers Standards and Training Council (AZPOST)
• Comprised of both classroom instruction and practical exercises delivered by mental health professionals, subject matter experts and CIT instructors
• CAT facilitates CIT for department and school personnel
• CAT is a member of the West Valley Crisis Intervention Team Coalition and CIT International

What are the Crisis Intervention Duties of CAT?

• Assist patrol officers with calls for service and crisis intervention
• Provide resources to individuals/families/organizations
• Complete applications for involuntary committals for CAT contacts
• Facilitate transports to mental health facilities (involuntary/voluntary/emergent orders)
• Help facilitate and maintain training of department personnel in CIT school