Frequently Asked Questions

Communities large and small were seeking answers to managing crisis issues and crisis services. Many mental health advocates had asserted that law enforcement personnel did not receive adequate mental health training, resulting in ineffective and sometimes fatal encounters or outcomes. In 1988, Memphis introduced the first crisis intervention team as a component to their community's demand for safer, first responder crisis services. Crisis Intervention Training is a program developed in a number of U.S. states to help police officers react appropriately to situations involving mental illness or developmental disability. CIT partnerships led to changes in existing systems and stimulated the development of new infrastructures for services.

Today, Crisis Intervention Teams or “CIT” Programs help people with mental illness cope and maintain recovery. CIT helps sustain more effective interactions among law enforcement, mental health care providers, individuals with mental illness, their families and communities and reduce the stigma of mental illness. CIT works to accomplish this purpose by raising public and stakeholder awareness through education and outreach, complying with recommended standards for developing, implementing and sustaining crisis intervention team programs, and by providing assistance to communities interested in developing CIT programs.

Crises are about people, about our community, our families, our friends, and our loved ones. CIT is founded on principles of dignity, understanding, kindness, hope and dedication

Training is open to Kentucky law enforcement personnel only.

Training is provided free of charge to law enforcement personnel.