40 HOUR CIT COURSE May 2026

Crisis Intervention Teams (CITs) are local initiatives designed to improve the way law enforcement and the community respond to people experiencing behavioral health and intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) crises.

They are built on strong partnerships between law enforcement, behavioral health provider agencies, I/DD providers and individuals and families affected by these disabilities.

Objectives:

• Enhance Safety for the community, individuals with lived experiences, and law enforcement.
• Equip Law Enforcement with effective tools for managing behavioral health and I/DD crises.
• Clarify and Improve Access to behavioral health and I/DD support systems.
• Divert individuals with these disabilities from the Criminal and Juvenile Justice systems when appropriate.

Training Details:

Course dates are May 12, 13, 14, 19 and 20th 8am-4pm at the Beverly Police Dept. 175 Elliott St., Beverly, MA 01915  Attendance for all 5 days is mandatory for certification.

This comprehensive 40-hour course combines lectures and practical scenarios.  There is a knowledge check required to pass for certification.

Topics include: Mental Health Disorders, Personality Disorders, Substance Use Disorders, Trauma, Intellectual Disabilities, DCF Issues, Elder Services, Veteran’s Issues, Homelessness, CBHCs, Hearing Voices, Psychiatric Medications, Cultural Awareness, Suicide prevention, Child/Adolescent Mental Health, De-escalation, Juvenile Justice, Forensics and Officer Wellness.

NOTE: Officers that take the course will be expected to take a role in being part of the CIT for their department.