Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training is designed to achieve what?

• A. Better identification and de-escalation of encounters with individuals experiencing mental health crises.
• B. Increased use of force in all encounters.
• C. More paperwork.
• D. Quicker arrests.

Answer: (A)

Crisis Intervention Team training centers on recognizing when someone is in a mental health crisis and using de-escalation to resolve encounters safely. It equips officers to identify signs of distress and to communicate in ways that calm the situation, reducing agitation and the likelihood of force. The goal is safer outcomes for both the person in crisis and the officer and to connect individuals with the appropriate mental health resources rather than pursue punishment. The other options don’t fit because the program’s purpose isn’t to increase force, increase paperwork, or push for quicker arrests; it’s about safer resolution and treatment referral.