Crisis Intervention Teams Police Training, Crisis Intervention Teams (CITs) have emerged as a highly effective solution for enhancing police responses to mental health emergencies. Officers trained in CIT programs gain the knowledge and skills to de-escalate crises, reduce harm, and connect individuals to appropriate care. Understanding how CIT police training works and why it is essential highlights a modern, compassionate approach to law enforcement.
What Is a Crisis Intervention Team?
A Crisis Intervention Team is a collaborative initiative primarily involving police officers trained to safely manage behavioral health crises. Instead of defaulting to arrests or force, CIT officers rely on mental health education and de-escalation techniques to handle emergencies involving individuals with psychiatric disorders, substance use challenges, or severe emotional distress.
Originating in Memphis, Tennessee, in the late 1980s, the CIT model has been adopted by thousands of police departments nationwide. A core component of CIT is the intensive officer training, which prepares select volunteers to serve as mental health first responders.
What Does CIT Police Training Involve?
CIT police training usually consists of a 40-hour curriculum designed to equip officers with essential skills and knowledge about mental health crises. Key components include:
1. Mental Health Education
Officers learn about different mental illnesses, symptoms, and behaviors, helping them understand what individuals in crisis experience. This reduces stigma and enhances empathy.
2. Crisis Communication and De-escalation
Training focuses on verbal and nonverbal techniques, active listening, and empathy to calm agitated individuals. Officers also learn to recognize early signs of escalating behavior and respond safely.
3. Legal and Ethical Training
Officers study their legal responsibilities, including patient rights, use-of-force regulations, and other crisis intervention legal requirements.
4. Cultural Competency
Understanding cultural differences helps officers respond effectively and respectfully to diverse populations.
5. Role-Playing and Scenario-Based Exercises
Simulated scenarios and role-plays allow officers to practice responses in controlled environments, building confidence and practical skills.
6. Resource Awareness
Officers become familiar with local mental health services, emergency facilities, and community referral options, ensuring individuals in crisis receive timely care.
This comprehensive approach equips officers to make informed, safe decisions that prioritize respect, care, and public safety.
How CIT Officers Apply Their Training
Crisis Intervention Teams Police Training, CIT-trained officers serve as specialized responders within their patrol duties:
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Call Dispatch: Emergency dispatchers trained in CIT protocols identify mental health calls and assign CIT officers whenever possible.
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Response and Assessment: Officers use their training to de-escalate situations, assess mental health needs, and determine the safest next steps.
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Collaboration with Mental Health Professionals: Many departments utilize co-responder programs, where clinicians join officers on calls or provide remote guidance.
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Transportation and Referral: CIT officers coordinate with hospitals and crisis centers that follow no-refusal policies, ensuring prompt care.
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Post-Crisis Follow-Up: Some programs provide outreach to connect individuals with ongoing community resources, reducing the likelihood of repeat crises.
By integrating training with operational protocols, CIT programs improve outcomes for both officers and individuals in crisis.
Why CIT Training Is Important for Police
CIT police training offers numerous benefits:
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Enhances Officer Preparedness and Confidence: Officers feel more capable of handling complex mental health emergencies.
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Reduces Use-of-Force Incidents: De-escalation skills allow officers to resolve situations safely without physical confrontation.
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Prevents Unnecessary Arrests: Training encourages diversion to treatment rather than criminalization, aligning policing with public health goals.
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Improves Community Trust: Demonstrating competence and compassion strengthens police-community relationships, particularly with marginalized populations.
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Supports Officer and Public Safety: Decreasing confrontation reduces risks for officers, individuals in crisis, and bystanders.
Building a Strong CIT Training Program
Law enforcement agencies can maximize CIT effectiveness by:
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Selecting Suitable Officers: Volunteers motivated to respond to mental health crises tend to perform best.
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Providing High-Quality Instruction: Partner with mental health experts, consumer advocates, and experienced trainers to maintain rigorous, realistic training.
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Offering Ongoing Training: Refresher courses and updates on mental health resources keep officers current.
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Embedding CIT in Department Culture: Leadership support and policy integration normalize crisis intervention as a core policing function.
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Evaluating Program Impact: Collecting outcome data and feedback ensures the program remains relevant and effective.
Additional Resources
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides comprehensive resources on CIT programs, including training guides and best practices:
NAMI Crisis Intervention Team Programs
Read More: The Future of Crisis Intervention Teams: Innovations, Trends, and Evolving Practices
Conclusion
Crisis Intervention Team police training is essential for transforming law enforcement responses to mental health crises. By equipping officers with knowledge, empathy, and practical skills, CIT programs create safer, more compassionate interventions that protect lives and strengthen communities. As behavioral health challenges continue to rise, expanding CIT training remains a public safety priority with proven benefits.
