The biggest challenge facing law enforcement today is dealing with the vast number of calls for service dealing with mental health related issues. Each day law enforcement professionals respond to calls involving suicidal individuals, individuals with severe mental illness, and homeless individuals with no formal training in how to properly deal with these situations.

The La Porte County Crisis Interven??on Team (CIT) is comprised of sworn law enforcement who have received specialized training in how to iden??fy mental illness, deescalate situations, and iden??fy those who may be best suited to be diverted out of the criminal jus??ce system into the mental health care system.

In 2023, 53 officers from the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan City Police Department, La Porte Police Department, Long Beach Police Department, Trail Creek Police Department, and the Kingsford Heights Police Department partcipated in this intensive 40-hour training course. These officers volunteered for this monumental task because they have seen the need in our community to beter serve those who need it the most. Speakers included doctors, nurses, social workers, representatives from multiple community mental health centers, as well as individuals living with mental illness who provided first hand testimony on how law enforcement can best interact with them. 

We are hosting two training courses in early 2024 and we need your support. On behalf of the La Porte Crisis Intervention Team. I am writing to see if you would be willing/able to sponsor a meal for the 2024 partcipants. A core element of CIT is team bonding. During the week of training we train as one as well as eat as one. A donation ranging between $350 - $500 will cover a single day’s meal. In 2024 we will need to provide 20 meals for upwards of 70 law enforcement officers from throughout the county.

We have partnered with local businesses to provide the meals who have provided their services at discounted rates as a way of supporting this important cause. 

As a sponsor you will be highlighted during your sponsored meal, as well as be invited to our graduation ceremony so you can hear firsthand how this training benefits not only law enforcement, but our entire community. 

The La Porte County Drug Free Partnership, a 501c3, will facilitate all donations and can provide documentation for tax purposes. Donations can be made out to “La Porte County Drug Free Partnership” 422 Franklin Street, Suite H, Michigan City, IN 46360. Please indicate “2024 CIT Meals” on your donation. Questions regarding donations can be directed to Dr. Micki Webb 219-575-0246. 

Thank you for your support!