JEFFERSON CITY — The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Missouri Council has named a new Coordinator for the state. Sergeant Ashley McCunniff, supervisor of the CIT Unit at the Kansas City Police Department (KCPD), has agreed to take on this role.
Sergeant Ashley McCunniff
The MO Council is confident that CIT will continue to expand and thrive under her leadership.
The purpose of CIT is to address the challenges that often arise when law enforcement officers encounter individuals with behavioral health conditions in crisis situations.
Sgt. McCunniff’s new coordinator position was announced at a recent CIT statewide meeting. The CIT MO Council appreciates the support of the Department of Mental Health (DMH), the Missouri Behavioral Health Council, the KCPD and the McCunniff Family.
McCunniff replaces Perry County Sheriff Jason Klaus who served for more than five years as the MO CIT Coordinator. He was recently appointed Perry County Sheriff. His exceptional involvement, dedication, and support for the wellness of first responders made MO CIT a national leader. He will remain involved in the MO CIT as the Southeast Missouri Regional CIT Coordinator.
“I recall a small, dedicated group of CIT officers from across the state who established the original framework for today’s statewide CIT initiative. Sergeant McCunniff was a key leader within that original team,” said Brent McGinty, President/CEO of the Missouri Behavioral Health Council. “I can’t think of a better candidate to carry on the incredible leadership standard created by Captain Jeremy Romo and Sheriff Jason Klaus.”
“Passion for an idea or concept is often hard to find. MO CIT has been blessed to have so many great leaders to mold CIT into an internationally recognized model. Sergeant Ashley McCunniff stands out as one of those leaders,” said Sheriff Jason Klaus, Former CIT MO Council Coordinator. “As the next MO CIT Coordinator, Sergeant McCunniff will get to lead this passionate team, from all across this state, into the next phase of transforming Missouri’s crisis response system.”
“I had to privilege of working with Sergeant McCunniff when I was the Missouri State CIT Coordinator. She was actively involved in the early expansion efforts of CIT in Missouri. I am grateful to the Kansas City Missouri Police Department for allowing Sergeant McCunniff to take the role as the new Missouri CIT Coordinator,” said Captain Jeremy Romo, St. Louis County Police Department. “I have absolute confidence that Sergeant McCunniff will continue to improve CIT in Missouri where it is already a model for the rest of the country.”