Advocate for state laws (or a federal grant incentive) requiring Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) and autism-specific training for all first responders.
Pass state laws (or a federal grant incentive) that require Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) and autism-informed training for first responders, with deadlines and reporting so it’s not optional. This strategy focuses on shaping clear requirements, building a coalition, and baking in implementation details so training is practical and consistently completed. It matters because training gaps can turn misunderstandings into unnecessary force and erode trust in emergency response.
Why this works
- Institutionalizes change statewide; ensures uniform standards.
Public Citizen
AdvocacyChampioning consumer rights and accountable government
Mechanism
About LobbyingHow Public Citizen uses funding
- Draft model requirements that cover CIT and autism-informed crisis training for first responders.
- Build a coalition that can brief lawmakers and sustain support across the legislative process.
- Negotiate bill language that includes deadlines, reporting, and clear accountability mechanisms.
- Address cost and implementation concerns so the mandate is feasible for agencies to deliver.
- Support rollout playbooks so training is scenario-based and refreshed, not purely online or symbolic.
- Track completion and compliance so implementation can’t quietly slip.
Milestones
Checkpoints and the expected timing for each step
- 1
Model requirements drafted
EarlyDraft language defines who is covered, what training is required, and how completion is reported.
- 2
Coalition and sponsors aligned
As legislation is introducedSupporters commit to a shared message and a clear path to passage.
- 3
Testimony and implementation plan delivered
During considerationLawmakers receive practical rollout details that address cost and feasibility concerns.
- 4
Mandate enacted with accountability
At decision pointThe policy includes deadlines, reporting, and clear compliance expectations.
- 5
Completion tracking goes live
During rolloutAgencies report training completion and compliance in a way stakeholders can verify.