The Crisis Response and Intervention Training (CRIT) is a 40-hour training program designed to prepare police officers in their response to people experiencing crises related to behavioral health conditions (including mental health conditions and substance use disorders) and intellectual and developmental disabilities. This training is based upon the original Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training and is designed to complement the development and delivery of crisis response programs planned by law enforcement agencies, behavioral health services providers, and disability service providers in the community.
CRIT’s overall philosophy is officer safety, public safety, and diversion from the criminal justice system when possible. The goals of the curriculum include:
- Expanding officers’ knowledge of mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and intellectual and developmental disabilities;
- Creating connections with people with lived experience
- Enhancing officers’ awareness of community services
- Emphasizing the de-escalation of crisis situations
- Supporting officer safety and wellness
CRIT is a 40-hour training program that includes 18 modules of varying lengths and learning styles. These modules focus on topical areas such as behavioral health and intellectual and developmental disabilities, community engagement and resources, systems and legal considerations, and scenario-based skills.