CIT officer
Also written as: CIT — Crisis Intervention Team
A law enforcement officer specially trained to respond to mental health crises with de-escalation techniques and connection to treatment resources.
Full Definition
Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) officers are law enforcement personnel who receive specialized training to respond effectively to mental health emergencies. The CIT model trains officers in mental illness awareness, de-escalation techniques, and local mental health resources. CIT programs typically involve partnerships between police departments, mental health providers, and advocacy organizations. The goal is to reduce arrests and injuries during mental health crises while facilitating connections to appropriate treatment. CIT officers often serve as liaisons between the criminal justice system and mental health services.
Usage
Usage note: CIT refers to the training program; officers are CIT-trained or CIT officers, not CIT personnel.
In Context
- "The CIT officer successfully de-escalated the situation and transported the individual to the hospital." — Police incident report
- "CIT officer training includes 40 hours of mental health education." — Training program description