CIT Training
Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training is a specialized program that helps law enforcement officers handle situations involving people experiencing mental health crises. It teaches officers how to safely manage these encounters, understand mental health conditions, and connect people with proper support services instead of just making arrests. This approach is sometimes called the "Memphis Model" because it started in Memphis, Tennessee. Think of it as advanced training that turns regular officers into specialists who can better help people during mental health emergencies.
Examples in Resumes
Completed 40-hour CIT Training certification for mental health crisis response
Served as lead Crisis Intervention Team trainer for department recruits
Applied CIT techniques to successfully de-escalate over 200 mental health crisis calls
Typical job title: "CIT Officers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find CIT Officers
Professional Organizations
Training Resources
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you implement a CIT program in a department that doesn't have one?
Expected Answer: Answer should cover program planning, obtaining stakeholder buy-in, establishing community partnerships, organizing training schedules, and developing evaluation metrics for program success.
Q: Describe a challenging mental health crisis you managed and what strategies you used.
Expected Answer: Response should demonstrate leadership, advanced de-escalation techniques, proper resource coordination, and ability to make quick decisions while maintaining safety for all parties.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What mental health resources are available in our community and how do you access them?
Expected Answer: Should show knowledge of local mental health facilities, crisis centers, mobile crisis units, and the process for connecting individuals with these services.
Q: How do you approach a situation where someone is experiencing a mental health crisis?
Expected Answer: Should outline step-by-step approach including scene assessment, maintaining safe distance, using calm communication, and showing awareness of various mental health conditions.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic principles of de-escalation?
Expected Answer: Should cover basics like maintaining distance, speaking calmly, active listening, showing empathy, and not rushing the interaction.
Q: Why is CIT training important for law enforcement?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of how CIT improves officer and community safety, reduces arrests, and helps get proper help for people in crisis.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic de-escalation techniques
- Understanding of mental health conditions
- Knowledge of community resources
- Crisis communication basics
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced de-escalation strategies
- Mental health resource coordination
- Crisis scene management
- Mentor junior officers in CIT techniques
Senior (5+ years)
- Program development and implementation
- CIT instructor qualification
- Department policy development
- Community partnership building
Red Flags to Watch For
- No formal CIT certification
- Lack of de-escalation experience
- Poor communication skills
- No knowledge of mental health resources
- History of excessive force complaints
Related Terms
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