CIT Program Information
Understanding the Crisis Intervention Team model and how it works in Arizona
What Is a CIT Program?
Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) is a community partnership model that brings together law enforcement, mental health providers, hospitals, advocates, and individuals with lived experience to improve the response to mental health crises. At its core, CIT is a 40-hour specialized training program for law enforcement officers and other first responders — but it is much more than training alone. CIT is a systems-level approach to diverting people in crisis away from the criminal justice system and toward appropriate mental health care.
How CIT Works
Specialized Training
Officers and first responders complete a 40-hour CIT training that covers mental health conditions, de-escalation techniques, crisis communication, local mental health resources, and the legal framework for emergency mental health holds.
Community Collaboration
CIT programs are built on partnerships between law enforcement agencies, mental health centers, hospitals, NAMI affiliates, and other community stakeholders. These partners meet regularly to coordinate, problem-solve, and improve the system.
Crisis Response
When a mental health crisis call comes in, CIT-trained officers are dispatched. They use their training to de-escalate the situation, assess the individual's needs, and connect them to the most appropriate level of care — often a crisis center or mobile mental health team rather than jail.
Follow-Up & Diversion
CIT programs emphasize diversion from the criminal justice system. Officers work with mental health partners to ensure individuals receive follow-up care, reducing repeat crisis calls and improving long-term outcomes.
Why CIT Matters
Safer Outcomes
CIT-trained officers are better equipped to de-escalate crisis situations, reducing the risk of injury to both the individual in crisis and the responding officer.
Reduced Criminalization
CIT diverts individuals with mental illness away from jail and toward treatment, addressing the root cause rather than cycling people through the criminal justice system.
System Efficiency
By connecting people to appropriate care on the first contact, CIT reduces repeat crisis calls, emergency department overcrowding, and unnecessary incarceration.
Community Trust
CIT builds trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve, particularly among individuals and families affected by mental illness.
Starting a CIT Program in Arizona
ACITA supports agencies across Arizona in developing and sustaining CIT programs. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to strengthen an existing program, we can connect you with training resources, experienced coordinators, and community partners. Reach out to learn more.
Contact ACITA