Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Basic Course

This program is designed to provide selected officers with specialized training on dealing with individuals in the community who have a mental illness or other behavioral disability. CIT officers are trained as resource specialists who can provide immediate response to calls involving a mental health crisis. The “team” concept refers to law enforcement involvement with stakeholder agencies, as well as interagency mutual assistance when appropriate.

The course will be conducted by a diverse group of law enforcement and behavioral health professionals — including active CIT officers from three Illinois jurisdictions.

During the week, students will participate in a variety of valuable exercises that will simulate auditory hallucinations that individuals with a mental illness might experience. The program will also provide officers with a unique opportunity to interact with individuals who have a mental illness and their family members (primary and secondary consumers).

An essential part of the CIT course is scenario-based skills training. Officers are challenged with realistic scenarios portrayed by professional actors from Chicago and St. Louis. Scenarios may include a suicide intervention, de-escalating a violent situation, or responding to a call involving an individual experiencing paranoia. All scenarios are facilitated and evaluated by certified CIT officers.

Register online: Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Basic – Mobile Team 12