Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training

The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) model is designed to improve the outcomes of interactions between law enforcement officers and individuals living with mental illness. It is an innovative first-responder model of police-based crisis intervention training to help individuals living with mental illness who are experiencing a mental health crisis by diverting them to appropriate mental health services and support rather than to the criminal justice system. CIT promotes officer safety and the safety of the individual in crisis. It’s a community partnership of law enforcement, mental health partners, individuals who live with mental illness and/or addiction disorders, their families, and other advocates.

CIT provides 40 hours of specialized training to law enforcement officers on preventing mental health crises and deescalating crises when they occur, while reducing the need for use of physical force.

CIT Pinellas follows the research-supported curriculum of CIT International. Directions for Living has been an active member of CIT International since 2010.

CIT training spots are available on a first come, first served basis. Due to the incredible demand for this training, all agencies must have secured their registrations with payment no later than 10 business days prior to the class start date.

To register, email Tai Ku at [email protected] with participant names and preferred training week. Each class has 37 seats available.

$495 per officer

Payments can be made by check or credit card. Checks should be made payable to Directions for Living attn: CIT and sent to 1437 S. Belcher Rd. Clearwater, FL 33764. To pay by credit card, please see below.

Taichiang Ku, CIT Coordinator
(727) 296-5020 | [email protected]