In this episode of SMI Spotlight, Dr. Xavier Amador sits down with Sgt. Robert McKeirnan, a leader in Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training and co-response strategies in Olathe, Kansas. Together, they explore how law enforcement can respond more effectively, compassionately, and safely to individuals experiencing mental health crises.

Sgt. McKeirnan offers an insightful look into the realities of crisis response. He discusses how de-escalation begins the moment a call comes in and carries through in the decisions leading to direct interaction. He also covers the barriers that make it difficult to connect people with the right services for mental health treatment instead of criminalization. He shares how CIT units work, why mental-health‑related calls have risen sharply, and the skills officers use to reduce risk and build trust during some of the most difficult moments a family or individual may face.

Dr. Amador and Sgt. McKeirnan also give practical tips on how families can prepare for crisis situations. A crisis checklist can be helpful for this. Sgt. McKeirnan shared the checklist that his team provides to families in Olathe. The checklist can be found at this link:

https://www.tac.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/911-Checklist-Olathe-Example.jpg

Whether you're a family caregiver, mental health professional, law enforcement officer, or simply someone trying to better understand crisis response, this conversation offers invaluable insight, guidance, and hope.

• (00:00) – Mental Health Crisis Police Response 

• (00:48) – Sgt. Robert McKeirnan 

• (01:35) – Appearing in uniform 

• (02:25) – Associating the police uniform with kindness, respect, and trust 

• (03:06) – CIT Co-response model in Olathe 

• (04:24) – What happens when the team is called? How is safety ensured? 

• (05:32) – Why has the number of mental health calls jumped exponentially? 

• (06:40) – What is de-escalation? 

• (10:18) – The time it takes to de-escalate 

• (10:32) – How much time does de-escalation take? 

• (12:21) – How to reach a CIT team and frame the call 

• (16:08) – How many times are the same people seen? 

• (17:28) – How to respond when someone meets involuntary admission criteria 

• (21:35) – The most common elements of de-escalation. Right vs right for the situation 

• (25:23) – How could crisis response be improved? 

• (27:34) – How can law enforcement change to improve crisis response? 

• (32:33) – Engaging and helping family caregivers 

• (36:29) – Dr Amador's advice for families 

• (37:01) – Importance of early intervention 

• (38:18) – Crisis info cards 

• (39:35) – Cops who care