Crisis Intervention Team Training was developed in 1988 in Memphis, Tennessee in response to repeated law enforcement shootings of individuals with mental illness. At that time, the University of Tennessee, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and local law enforcement came together to develop the innovative 40-hour training focused on mental health education and de-escalation skills for law enforcement.
Since then, CIT has spread to communities across the US and abroad. Initially the training was for law enforcement and first responders, but has since grown to include diverse community stakeholders including hospitals, social services, EMS, court staff, homeless shelters etc. In September 2007, a group of leaders focused on advancing CIT convened in Memphis to develop the core elements document which is used to this day to ensure fidelity to the model. These elements are central to the success of CIT programs and their outcomes.

CIT is designed to be adapted to different communities with varying resources and needs. This is made possible through the use of “Core Elements” to be included in each CIT, while allowing for flexibility in the schedule. CIT International provides a centralized source of support and education for local programs.
“CIT International, Inc. is a nonprofit membership organization whose primary purpose is to facilitate understanding, development, and implementation of Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) programs throughout the U.S. and worldwide in order to promote and support collaborative efforts to create and sustain more effective interactions among law enforcement, mental health care providers, individuals with mental illnesses, their families, and communities and to reduce the stigma of mental illness.”

CIT International provides the following:

1. The Annual CIT International Conference is held each year in different locations throughout the US, working to bring stakeholders together for networking, continuing education, and alignment to best practices using the CIT “Memphis Model”.
2. Facilitated increased awareness of CIT through outreach and education
3. Provides a central source for stakeholders to obtain recommended standards, materials, and best practices for implementation, sustainment, and development of CIT programs.
4. Offers technical assistance to communities interested in implementing CIT programs
5. Supports the research and evaluation of the benefits of CIT programs to demonstrate the value of CIT to communities.

For more information, go to CITinternational.org or click here: 

Yes, to be “CIT trained” individuals must attend a 40-hour program aligned with the Memphis Model that includes the Core Elements provided on the CIT international website.

Currently CIT programs are scheduled in Carson City, Churchill, Clark, Douglas, Elko, Humboldt, and Lyon Counties. To learn more, please see the Contact Us link of this website, and reach out to obtain additional information.

Nevada has a CIT coordinator learning collaborative that would be happy to assist you in your CIT program implementation. Please see the Contact Us link of this website for a list of the CIT coordinators throughout the state.

Please follow the contact us link of this website to ask for more information.