Crisis Intervention Training

The training is designed for law enforcement officers and dispatchers who, in their duties, are frequently called upon to deal with individuals who are suffering from brain disorders and mental health issues.



The Crisis Intervention Team program is a community partnership working with the District Attorney's office, mental health agencies, multi-jurisdictional law enforcement agencies, the National Association on Mental Illness, consumers, and family members. Our goal is to set a standard of excellence for our officers with respect to the treatment of individuals with mental illness. This concept was started in 1988 by the Memphis, Tennessee Police Department in response to a critical incident that occurred in their city involving an officer tragically shooting and killing a person who was suffering from a brain disorder. From that tragedy, CIT was born and flourished nationwide.



The Kansas Law Enforcement CIT training is an approximately 40-hour intensive training program that provides officers and first responders with the skills, methods, and tactics to de-escalate incidents involving persons in a mental health crisis safely. The CIT model is about doing the right thing for the right reasons.

Core Competencies:

• Participants will develop the ability to conclude whether an individual they come in contact with may suffer from a brain disorder or mental illness. This will help them to determine and implement proper procedures during the encounter.

Course Objectives:

• Develop an understanding of the complexities of mental illness and personality disorders
• Discuss psychiatric medications and the effects of these medications on the body
• Discuss alternative placement options based on the specific need of the client
• Identify potential suicide victims and ways to prevent suicide
• Participate in de-escalation training

Instructional Methods:

• Lecture
• Class Discussion
• Scenarios

Who Should Attend:

• All Public Safety Personnel

Course Requirements: