Portage County Officers Complete 40-Hour Crisis Intervention Team Training

Law enforcement officers and community partners recently completed a 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training designed to improve how first responders recognize and respond to individuals experiencing mental health or substance use crises.

The intensive, weeklong program provided participants with comprehensive instruction in de-escalation techniques, mental health awareness, and substance use disorder education. The training also emphasized collaboration and the use of local behavioral health resources to ensure individuals in crisis are connected to appropriate care rather than entering the criminal justice system.

Throughout the week, attendees toured local treatment and recovery facilities, learning about the range of services available in Portage County. They also heard directly from individuals with lived experience and those in recovery, whose personal stories offered valuable insight into the realities of mental illness, addiction, and healing.

“CIT training strengthens the partnership between law enforcement and the behavioral health system,” said John Garrity, PhD, MHRB Executive Director. “It equips officers with the skills and understanding needed to respond safely, compassionately, and effectively when someone is in crisis.”

The CIT program continues to build a network of officers and community members committed to improving outcomes for people experiencing behavioral health emergencies. There are over 250 officers trained in Portage County.

For more information about Crisis Intervention Team training or local behavioral health resources, contact the Mental Health & Recovery Board of Portage County at 330-673-1756 or visit www.mental-health-recovery.org

Top: Of. Nolan Rumler (Brimfield PD), Of. Justin Kucinic (Brimfield PD), Robert Cassetty (Adult Probation), Gabriella Hollenbaugh (Adult Probation), Trooper Hayley McMahon (OSHP), Joseph Morris (Adult Probation), Ptl. Brett Modic (Streetsboro PD), Of. Anthony Shellenbarger (Kent State PD), Of. Richard Sprague (Kent State PD), Ptl. Caden Gilliland (Ravenna PD), Ptl. Trent Alberts (NEOMED PD) Bottom: Ptl. Kyle Dirk (Ravenna PD), Ptl. Ellie Smith (Ravenna PD), Annie Skapin (Adult Probation), Sara Slanina (Kent FD/KCHD), Disp. Kara Koch (Ravenna PD), Of. Aliou Diallo (Kent State PD), Brayden Linz (Adult Probation).