Crisis Intervention Team

The Portage Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Program connects law enforcement, mental health providers, hospital emergency service providers, and individuals with mental illness and their families. Through collaborative community partnerships and intensive training, CIT improves communication, identifies mental health resources for those in crisis and ensures officer and community safety.

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The CIT Training program began in 2006 Portage County. Over 250 officers have been trained in the 40-hour class which teaches de-escalation techniques, communication skills, uses and effects of psychotropic medication, serious emotional problems in children, dual-diagnosis of mental illness and alcohol and drug addiction, alternatives to jail, and information about local service providers. Participants also learn from people with lived experience and our local NAMI members.

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The Crisis Intervention Team training is free to Portage County law enforcement, behavioral health agency staff or other first responders. You can call the MHRB at 330-673-1756, ext. 201, to sign up or email.