Linden Police Department Hosts 2nd Annual Union County Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Barbeque

The Linden Police Department, in collaboration with the Union County Prosecutor's Office and community partners from across New Jersey, hosted the 2nd Annual Union County Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Barbeque. The annual event represents law enforcement and community partnership supporting mental health crisis response and intervention training.

Program History and Initiative Leadership

The event was originally started by Linden Police Captain Abdul Williams in 2012 and has grown into a significant community gathering, with a record 250 or more community members attending this year. The 14-year history demonstrates sustained commitment to community engagement and crisis intervention programming.

Crisis Intervention Team Program

The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program provides law enforcement officers with important training and resources to better serve members of the community, particularly individuals experiencing mental health challenges or developmental conditions. Training equips officers with de-escalation techniques and mental health awareness supporting more humane and effective crisis response.

Captain Williams' Leadership and Vision

Captain Abdul Williams reflected on the event, stating, "Being able to serve our community is a great honor. Having the trust of those in our community who live with mental illness is an even greater one." Williams' statement articulated the program's emphasis on trust building and dignified service to vulnerable populations.

He added, "We in law enforcement must take the first step to bridge the gap with communities that may not yet trust us." Williams' statement emphasized police responsibility for relationship-building and community trust despite historical tensions.

Union County Life covers Linden public safety, community partnership, and local news across all 21 Union County municipalities.

Community Engagement and Dialogue

The afternoon featured food, meaningful conversation, and opportunities to strengthen partnerships between law enforcement, mental health professionals, and community partners. Informal gathering format enabled open dialogue and relationship building across professional and community sectors.

County Commissioner Recognition

Union County Commissioner Chairman Joe Bodek said, "A very special congratulations and thank you to my dear friend, Captain Abdul Williams, who was honored for starting this important initiative and for his continued commitment to strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve." Bodek's recognition affirmed Williams' leadership and the importance of police-community partnership.

Mental Health Crisis Response and Law Enforcement

Crisis intervention training enables law enforcement to recognize and appropriately respond to mental health emergencies. De-escalation techniques and mental health awareness reduce unnecessary arrests and enable connection to appropriate services and support.

Community Trust and Police Accountability

Police-community engagement and trust building remain critical public safety concerns. Initiatives addressing mental health crisis response and officer training support greater accountability and community-centered policing approaches.

Developmental Disabilities and Inclusive Response

CIT training addresses interaction with individuals experiencing mental illness and developmental conditions. Inclusive training reflects law enforcement responsibility to serve all community members with dignity and appropriate resources.

Interdisciplinary Partnership and Collaboration

The barbeque brought together law enforcement, mental health professionals, and community partners in shared commitment to crisis intervention. Interdisciplinary collaboration strengthens crisis response and community support systems.

Growing Community Participation

Record attendance (250+ community members) reflects growing community engagement and partnership around mental health crisis response. Increased attendance demonstrates expanded awareness and commitment to the initiative.

For Linden Community and Mental Health Advocates

Linden residents and mental health advocates can support law enforcement-community partnerships through event attendance, information sharing, and advocacy for crisis intervention training and mental health resources.

Community members can contact Linden Police Department for information about CIT training, mental health resources, and community engagement opportunities.

Find more Linden public safety, community partnership, and local news on Union County Life.

Photo Credit: Linden Police Department

FAQ

Q: What is the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program?
A: The CIT program provides law enforcement officers with training and resources to serve community members experiencing mental health challenges or developmental conditions. Training includes de-escalation techniques and mental health awareness.

Q: Who started the CIT program?
A: Linden Police Captain Abdul Williams started the initiative in 2012. The program has been operating for 14 years.

Q: What is the 2nd Annual CIT Barbeque?
A: It is an annual Union County community gathering hosted by Linden Police Department in collaboration with the County Prosecutor's Office and community partners. The event features food, conversation, and partnership strengthening.

Q: How many people attended the 2nd annual event?
A: A record 250 or more community members attended the 2nd annual event.

Q: Who participates in the CIT program?
A: Law enforcement officers receive training. The program also involves mental health professionals and community partners in crisis response.

Q: Why is CIT training important?
A: CIT training enables officers to recognize mental health emergencies and respond appropriately with de-escalation and connection to services, rather than unnecessary arrests.

Q: What does CIT stand for?
A: CIT stands for Crisis Intervention Team. It is a law enforcement training program focused on mental health crisis response.

Q: How does the program build community trust?
A: The program emphasizes that law enforcement must take the first step to bridge gaps with communities that may not yet trust police. Training and community engagement build trust and accountability.