Training
In order to handle these specialized duties, CIT officers would receive training in selected topics including mental health diagnoses, psychiatric medications, and issues of drug abuse and dependence. The officers would be trained in mental health law and cross-cultural sensitivity. Officers would spend time with individuals who experienced mental illness to learn first-hand of challenges of the illness. Most importantly, the officer would receive intensive training in verbal de-escalation skills with consistent attention to officer safety throughout all components of the CIT training.