A Mixed-Methods Approach to Assess the Effectiveness of Crisis Intervention Team Training in Corrections

• In Event: Evaluations on Correctional Programming

Abstract

This study examines the extent to which the Memphis Crisis Intervention Team training curriculum is achieving its intended objectives within the prison setting. Two data collection strategies were utilized to evaluate training effectiveness. First, surveys were administered to correctional staff at three points in time (first day of training- pretest, last day of training - posttest, and three months following the completion of training-follow-up) to measure change over time on the indicators of training effectiveness. Surveys were also administered to untrained correctional staff as a comparison group. For the second component of the study, focus groups were conducted with trained and untrained correctional staff to deepen the understanding of the true impact of CIT training on individual staff perceptions and behaviors in the correctional setting.

Author

• Megan Magers Davidson, East Carolina University