In the landscape of modern law enforcement, specialized skills in handling mental health crises are essential. Crisis Intervention Team training equips police officers with the tools necessary to effectively and compassionately respond to individuals experiencing mental health emergencies. This guide breaks down the key components of CIT training, illustrating how it prepares officers for real-world challenges and strengthens community trust.
What Is Crisis Intervention Team Training?
Crisis intervention team training is an intensive program designed to prepare law enforcement officers for interactions with people facing mental health crises. Unlike traditional policing methods focused solely on law enforcement, CIT training emphasizes de-escalation, empathy, and appropriate referrals to mental health services.
These trainings typically span 40 hours and include classroom instruction, role-playing exercises, and community engagement to build both knowledge and skills. The training is a core pillar of crisis intervention teams, empowering officers to become mental health first responders.
Why CIT Training Matters
Police officers are often the first responders to crisis situations involving individuals with mental health challenges. Without specialized training, these encounters can quickly escalate, increasing risks for all involved—officers, individuals in crisis, and bystanders.
CIT training helps officers:
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Recognize signs and symptoms of mental illness and substance abuse.
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Use communication techniques to de-escalate volatile situations.
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Navigate legal considerations and patients’ rights during crisis interventions.
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Connect individuals to appropriate mental health resources or emergency care.
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Reduce use-of-force incidents and unnecessary arrests.
The ultimate goal is to improve safety, reduce stigma, and increase treatment access—all while upholding community trust in law enforcement.
Core Components of Crisis Intervention Team Training
1. Mental Health Education
This segment provides officers with foundational knowledge on common mental illnesses and disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders. Understanding these conditions helps officers identify behavioral cues and respond effectively.
2. De-escalation and Communication Skills
Officers learn verbal and non-verbal de-escalation tactics that promote calm interactions. Role-playing modules simulate scenarios such as suicidal individuals, agitation, or psychosis, allowing officers to practice active listening, empathy, and negotiation.
3. Legal and Ethical Framework
Training includes legal education on mental health laws, involuntary commitment procedures, and patient rights. Officers must balance public safety with individual liberties, making this knowledge crucial.
4. Community Resources and Collaboration
CIT training connects officers with local mental health agencies, hospitals, crisis centers, and social services. Officers gain familiarity with referral processes and create partnerships that support their intervention efforts.
5. Involvement of Mental Health Consumers and Family Members
Heavily emphasized in the CIT model is the participation of consumers and family advocates who share personal experiences. Their input humanizes mental health challenges and teaches officers the perspective of those they serve.
Step-by-Step CIT Training Process
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Officer Selection: Officers volunteer for CIT training, ideally those interested in mental health advocacy and community policing.
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40-Hour Training Program: Conducted over several days, combining lectures, group discussions, and practical exercises.
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Role-Playing and Scenario Work: Realistic crisis situations are simulated to hone skills in a controlled environment.
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Community Tours and Panels: Officers visit mental health facilities and interact with service providers and individuals with lived experience.
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Certification and Continuous Learning: After training, officers receive CIT certification and are encouraged to engage in ongoing education and community collaboration.
Benefits and Outcomes of CIT Training
Research and community reports affirm numerous benefits of CIT training. Officers trained in CIT report greater confidence and proficiency in handling crisis calls, reducing reliance on force. Communities experience fewer arrests related to mental illness and enhanced public safety.
Additionally, CIT initiatives improve agency morale and reduce officer burnout by providing effective tools to manage challenging calls.
Crisis Intervention Team International and Training Standards
Crisis Intervention Team International (CITI) supports the standardization and dissemination of CIT principles worldwide. CITI offers a structured 40-hour curriculum known as “Train-the-Trainer,” promoting consistency while allowing communities to tailor programs.
CITI emphasizes collaboration among law enforcement, mental health providers, and stakeholders—ensuring that CIT training evolves based on best practices and emerging research.
Read More: The Role of a CIT Officer: What Crisis Intervention Team Training Really Teaches
Resources for CIT Training Programs
Guide to Crisis Intervention Team Training for Police Officers, Many states and local governments provide CIT training through police academies or partnerships with mental health organizations. For agencies interested in starting or expanding CIT programs, resources such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provide guidance and support.
