Chester County’s Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program has received Silver Certification through CIT International for achieving many best practices of CIT programming. Chester County’s CIT program is a community partnership of law enforcement, County Human Services professionals, and court-related staff who are trained to improve community response to behavioral health crises.

In a joint statement, Chester County Commissioners Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz, and Eric Roe said, “Our law enforcement officers have some of the toughest jobs out there, especially as front-line caretakers who respond to highly charged situations, some of which involve an individual in the midst of a mental health crisis. 

“Chester County’s CIT training has given more than 350 graduates the tools and skills needed to safely, effectively, and compassionately de-escalate a situation involving a mental health crisis. The program is a tremendous collaboration between our Human Services departments, law enforcement, and courts. It is the first best step in making sure anyone experiencing a mental health crisis who comes into contact with law enforcement can be met with treatment and care, rather than incarceration.”

Law enforcement officials from 37 of the county’s police departments, the Pennsylvania State Police and West Chester University Police have received CIT training, along with representatives from many County departments, including Chester County Prison corrections officers, Chester County park rangers, and staff from the County’s Probation, Parole & Pretrial Services, Veterans Affairs, Sheriff’s Office, and 9-1-1 Center.   

Candy Craig, Chester County mental health deputy administrator, who administers the CIT program, said, “The twice-yearly CIT training involves classroom expert training modules, followed by simulations of real-life scenarios with instructors demonstrating appropriate responses. Law enforcement officers and others in related professions develop skills and approaches to support community members experiencing a behavioral health crisis, engage them, and divert them from prison.”

“The Silver Certification reinforces the obvious,” said Chester County District Attorney Chris de Barrena-Sarobe. “CIT training is an essential part of creating a modern police force. I am grateful to all the organizations and police agencies who participate in this tremendous program.”

West Goshen Police Chief Mike Carroll said, “Our Department recognized the value of the CIT program early in its implementation and developed a plan to ensure all officers received this training. I have witnessed a positive shift in how we interact with the public and many positive outcomes that can be attributed to CIT. I foresee a day when this training is a fundamental component of every officer’s education.”

Chester County’s CIT training program began in 2017 following the formal commitment made by the Chester County Commissioners to become part of the National Stepping Up Initiative. Stepping Up advances county efforts to reduce the number of adults with mental and co-occurring substance use disorders in jails. It is a collaboration led by the National Association of Counties, the County of State Governments Justice Center, and the American Psychiatric Foundation.  

Bob McCarron, president of the Chester County Fraternal Order Of Police Lodge #11, said, “The Chester County CIT program is an intense 40-hour training program that provides officers with a deeper understanding of mental health laws and effective strategies for interacting with individuals in crisis or experiencing the effects of trauma. Additionally, the program equips officers with coping skills to manage vicarious trauma and the inherent stresses of police work. As a graduate of the first CIT class and a subsequent instructor in de-escalation and QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer), a suicide and prevention awareness program, I believe this training is vital for all officers.”

Recent CIT graduate, West Sadsbury Township police officer Nicole Delikat said about the program, “The combination of crisis intervention training, personal testimonials, and group learning creates a comprehensive approach to officer wellness. These elements work together to build resilience, foster supportive relationships, and promote a culture where seeking help is accepted and encouraged. When fellow officers openly discuss their challenges and paths to wellness, it creates an environment where others feel more comfortable acknowledging their own needs, and it’s ok, not to be ok.”