Vice Consul Claire Newman of the British Consulate-General in Atlanta is one of the first consular officers across the US to earn certification as a Crisis Intervention Team member.

Crisis Intervention Teams (CITs) are made up of police, emergency response personnel, mental health professionals, and others committed to helping people with mental illnesses and brain disorders that are facing crisis situations.

"I came away with a greater appreciation for those who are affected by mental illness, and for the law enforcement officers who are called to respond to incidents, " Vice Consul, Newman said.

As Vice Consul in charge of consular efforts in a six-state region, Claire Newman is responsible for helping British nationals in trouble— whether they are caught up in a natural disaster, are victims of crime, are arrested, or simply lose their UK passport.  She says CIT training will help her better serve Britons who need assistance and who may be affected by mental illness.

The Georgia Crisis Intervention Team brings together the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Georgia Department of Human Resources, the Georgia Public Safety Training Center, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Georgia.

The CIT certification course includes 40-hours of classroom instruction and practical exercises, and a curriculum approved by the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training Council. The course is one of many opportunities Ms. Newman has taken to work with law enforcement and emergency-management professionals across the Southeast.

“It was an excellent opportunity for me to network with local authorities and build on our relationships,” Ms. Newman said. “GBI Director Vernon Keenan and his colleague Rhiannon Morgan and our excellent working relationship led to this opportunity for me. Henry County Police Lt. Chuck Simmons was so helpful, and made me feel extremely welcome. “

Sgt. Richard Harned, Vice Consul Claire Newman, & Lt. Chuck Simmons

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