What is C.I.T?

Crisis Intervention Training (C.I.T) and is an extensive and dynamic training curriculum in the area of mental Health. This course provides training to better equip law enforcement and first responders to deal with emotionally disturbed/mentally ill individuals in a variety of situations.

C.I.T is used in situations where the emotional state of an individual may be beyond normal patrol capabilities and training. These situations may include persons exhibiting irrational or suicidal behavior, handling psychiatric patients, and/or any other situations where the person has a mental illness or is in emotional distress.

C.I.T is also about community involvement, empowerment, and partnerships. One of the team’s main focuses is on diverting individuals toward community-based treatment as an alternative to incarceration. To make that happen, the C.I.T works closely with numerous mental health and human services agencies throughout Cortland County, as well as partnering with the Cortland County Mental Health Department and Seven Valleys Health Coalition to provide ongoing facilitation and the annual school. The Cortland County C.I.T is led by Lt. David Guerrera of the Cortland Police Department. 

Why participate?

Law enforcement officers and first responders respond to HUNDREDS of calls each year involving emotionally disturbed/mentally ill individuals.

C.I.T training reduces the risk of injury to officers, avoids unnecessary arrests, directs individuals with mental illnesses to appropriate treatment, increases public safety and lowers costs to tax- payers.

What is included in the 40-hour training?

Some topics include but are not limited to: 

• ​Defining mental health/understanding mental health and mental illness 

• Metal Health Issues among the Elderly, Juveniles, and Veterans

• The issues surrounding stress, depression, and mental health in law enforcement

• Warnings and symptoms of cumulative stress and burnout 

• Understanding suicide and suicide intervention

• Hospital Protocol and Procedures

• Substance abuse and co-occurring disorders

• The Court System

• Local Mental Health and Community Resources

Who is eligible to participate?

While Law Enforcement is the primary focus of C.I.T, the 40 hour training is also open to law enforcement related departments and agencies such as 9-1-1 Dispatchers, Probation and District Attorneys. First priority for Cortland County's annual 40 hour school goes to law enforcement agencies within the County but open seats can be offered to outside counties. Seven Valleys Health Coalition and other C.I.T partners strive to provide the school free of charge to Cortland County participants. Out of county participant fees vary based on available funding.

​The C.I.T team meets monthly to stay up to date on local issues regarding case management and other crisis intervention needs. These meetings are called and led by the Cortland Police Department. Others who participate in these meetings as part of the collaborative team includes: Cortland County Sheriff's Department, Homer Police Department, SUNY Cortland University Police Department, Seven Valleys Health Coalition, Cortland County Mental Health Department, Family Counseling Services, Catholic Charities of Cortland County, Cortland County DSS, Cortland County Area Agency on Aging, Liberty Resources Crisis Response Team, Guthrie Cortland Medical Center, and Cortland YWCA AVV.