Deputies teach, attend Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training

In February, the Lane County Regional Crisis Intervention Team hosted a 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training at the Springfield Police Department. This regional training is offered to local law enforcement agencies in Lane County. The Regional Crisis Intervention Team is made up of coordinators from the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, the Eugene Police Department, and the Springfield Police Department. The team is assisted by a steering committee made up of stakeholders in the local mental health community. Last month’s training attendees included personnel from Lane Transit District Public Safety, the Springfield Police Department, Lane County Sheriff’s Office, and Eugene Police Department.

CIT Training consists of classroom instruction to educate participants about mental health, addiction, de-escalation, and alternatives to incarceration. The curriculum includes specific lessons about local resources and programs, commonly encountered mental health conditions, tactical communication strategies, and presentations from community members with lived, first-hand mental health experiences.

The training includes discussions specific to communities law enforcement officers may encounter such as military veterans, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and developmentally disabled individuals. Near the end of the week of training, attendees participate in scenario-based training based off of real situations. Finally, the training concludes with a segment on officer resilience and mental wellness.

This training provides a solid foundation for local law enforcement to call upon when approaching persons in crisis and to help community members receive the best outcome possible.

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