Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Basic

Certification

This course is certified by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board.

Description

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.

Topics

• Signs and symptoms of mental illness
• Co-occurring disorders
• Compliant surrender and tactical response
• Child and adolescent disorders
• Autism
• Intellectual disabilities
• Risk assessment and legal issues
• Suicidal subjects
• Community resources
• Substance abuse
• Veterans in crisis
• Psychotropic medications
• Geriatric issues

Instructor

Deadline

Please register for this course by October 11.