Some 64 law enforcement agencies — police departments, sheriffs' departments, federal agencies, university police agencies and transit police — have put officers through the CIT training program.

Making this a statewide requirement may seem a preposterous proposal, given current economic conditions. Many government agencies are struggling to make ends meet as sales, property and income tax collections have dwindled. I get that.

But I also understand that there is a lot of undiagnosed, untreated or poorly managed mental illness in the world. This would be a good long-term investment in ensuring that peace officers have the know-how to guide troubled people through an episode until trained mental-health professionals can intervene.

Marjorie Cortez, who grieves for all touched by Brian Cardall's untimely death, is a Deseret News editorial writer. E-mail her at marjorie@desnews.com