Crisis Intervention Team Training
When crisis calls,
be ready.
Officers trained in CIT don't just respond to mental health calls, they transform outcomes. Less force. Fewer arrests. More lives connected to real care. Detroit Wayne County's CIT program is built on the Memphis Model, the gold standard for law enforcement crisis response.
Proven outcomes of CIT-trained departments:
- 58% reduction in officer injuries
- 75% decrease in unnecessary hospitalizations
- Higher diversion to community-based care
Mental Health First Aid Prerequisite
What is Mental Health First Aid?
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.
Mental Health First Aid is evidence-based
Mental Health First Aid is an international education program proven to be effective in teaching adults how to recognize and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.
Peer-reviewed studies have been conducted around the world and show that individuals trained in the program:
- Grow their knowledge of signs, symptoms and risk factors of mental illnesses and addictions.
- Can identify multiple types of professional and self-help resources for individuals with a mental health or substance use challenge.
- Increase their confidence in and likelihood to help an individual in distress.
- Show increased mental wellness themselves.
Mental Health First Aid for Public Safety
Mental Health First Aid for Public Safety provides law officers and staff with more response options to help them de-escalate incidents and better understand mental illnesses so they can respond to mental health-related situations appropriately without compromising safety.
Learn more: Mental Health First Aid for Public Safety (opens in new tab)Email DWIHN to request a class
training@dwihn.orgMemphis Model
What is Crisis Intervention Team training?
CIT is a community policing program that brings together law enforcement, mental health providers, and advocates to build a coordinated crisis response system. The Memphis Model, developed in 1988 and now used by departments across the country, focuses on de-escalation, officer safety, and connecting people in crisis to care instead of the criminal justice system.
DWIHN coordinates Wayne County's CIT program in partnership with local law enforcement agencies, training officers to be the first line of connection, not just intervention.
"CIT training changed the way I respond. I go in thinking about connection, not control. That shift has kept people out of jail, and kept me safer."
— CIT-certified officer, Detroit Police Department
"I was in crisis and the officer who responded just talked to me. He knew what to say. He got me help instead of handcuffs."
— Wayne County resident
Choose your path
Training tracks
All tracks are offered at no cost to Wayne County law enforcement agencies.
Basic CIT
The foundational 40-hour Memphis Model curriculum. Designed for patrol officers who respond to calls involving mental health crises, substance use, or intellectual/developmental disabilities.
- 40 hours over 5 days
- Open to all sworn officers & deputies
- Certificate upon completion
- Offered quarterly
CIT for Youth
Specialized curriculum for officers who frequently respond to calls involving children and adolescents. Includes child development, trauma-informed approaches, and school-based intervention.
- 40 hours over 5 days
- Sworn officers, school resource officers
- Certificate upon completion
- Offered bi-annually
CIT Refresher & Coordinator
For officers who have completed Basic CIT and want to deepen their skills, or supervisors building a CIT program within their agency. Includes train-the-trainer components.
- 8–16 hours (varies by track)
- Existing CIT officers & supervisors
- Certificate upon completion
- Offered annually
What you will learn
40 hours. Designed to change how you respond.
The curriculum is built by mental health clinicians, people with lived experience, and law enforcement trainers working together. No generic content, it is specific to the communities, laws, and resources of Wayne County.
Mental Health System Overview
Understanding the landscape: diagnoses, treatment levels, Wayne County resources, DWIHN's role, and how to navigate the system effectively.
De-escalation & Communication
Evidence-based verbal de-escalation techniques, active listening, trauma-informed communication, and approach strategies for different presentations.
Suicide Intervention
ASIST-aligned content covering warning signs, risk factors, safe messaging, how to talk directly about suicidal ideation, and when to transport.
Substance Use Disorders
Recognition of intoxication vs. mental health crisis, naloxone training, Narcan distribution, and connecting individuals to SUD services without arrest.
Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
Communication strategies for individuals with IDD, autism, or traumatic brain injury, including how to distinguish disability-related behavior from crisis.
Site Visits & Scenario Training
Live visits to DWIHN's Crisis Stabilization Units, role-play scenarios with mental health actors, and after-action debriefs with clinicians and peers.
From application to badge
How the program works
Agency submits nominations
Your department commander or CIT coordinator submits officer names through our registration form. Officers can also self-nominate with supervisor approval.
DWIHN confirms enrollment
We confirm your spot in the next available session and send all pre-training materials. Sessions are capped at 30 participants to maintain quality.
Complete the 5-day training
Officers attend Monday–Friday at the DWIHN training facility in Detroit. Attendance at all 40 hours is required for certification. Meals are provided.
Receive CIT certification
Graduates receive a certificate from DWIHN and their agency. Michigan Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) credits are available upon request.
Join the CIT alumni network
Certified officers gain access to ongoing resources, case consultation, annual refreshers, and a peer network of CIT officers across Wayne County.
What we offer
Training programs & sessions
Four programs for different roles and experience levels. The 40-hour block runs on open enrollment, select any session below to register. Other programs are invitation-only or scheduled on request.
Train the Trainer
Contact your CIT coordinator to request an invitation.
CIT Advanced, 8-Hour Refresher
CIT for Dispatchers & Call-Takers
CIT Training Block, 40 Hours
Need agency-specific scheduling for 15 or more officers? Contact us, we can arrange a dedicated session.
CIT Community
Officers who have been through it
"Before CIT, I thought my job was to manage the situation. After training, I realized my job was to help the person. That is a completely different mindset, and it works."Sgt. Marcus W. Wayne County Sheriff's Office · CIT-certified 2021
"I used CIT skills on a call with a veteran in a mental health crisis. Instead of taking him to the ED or jail, we got him into a program that day. He called me six months later to say thank you. That does not happen without this training."Officer Danielle K. Dearborn Police Department · CIT-certified 2022
"The site visit to the crisis center changed everything. I saw how calm and effective the clinicians were. Now I know exactly where to take someone, and what to say when I get them there."Officer Terrence A. Detroit Police Department · CIT-certified 2023
Certified by CIT International
Gold Program Certification
DWIHN has earned CIT International Gold Program Certification every year from 2021 through 2024, the highest recognition awarded to crisis intervention training programs that meet rigorous national standards for curriculum, fidelity, and community collaboration.
Learn about CIT International (opens in new tab)Apply now
CIT applications
Select the application that matches your role. Our CIT coordinator reviews every submission and follows up within 3 business days.
40-Hour Training Application
For patrol officers enrolling in Basic CIT, CIT for Youth, the 8-hour Refresher, or the Coordinator track. Select your track below, the form adapts to show only what we need from you.
Dispatcher & Call-Taker Application
This 2-day program is specifically designed for 911 dispatchers, police service aides, and emergency call-takers. Sessions are scheduled based on demand, submitting this form puts your agency on the scheduling list.
- $300 per person
- 2 days · 8 AM–5 PM
- Scheduled on request, minimum 10 participants
Train the Trainer
Become a CIT instructor
CIT instructors are experienced, certified CIT officers who train the next generation of responders. The Train the Trainer program is 3 days and operates on an invitation and application basis.
- Active CIT certification (Basic CIT or CIT for Youth required)
- Minimum 2 years post-certification field experience
- Supervisor endorsement from your agency
- Commitment to facilitate at least 1 training per year
The full application includes a written self-assessment (30–45 minutes). We recommend reviewing the pre-application self-assessment below before applying.
Not sure if you are ready to become an instructor?
A free, anonymous 5-minute self-assessment helps you reflect on your field experience, teaching skills, and readiness before applying for the Train the Trainer program.
Instructor readiness
Pre-application self-assessment
There is no score and no right or wrong answer. Rate each statement from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), then see a readiness summary at the end.
Agencies with CIT-certified officers
The following Wayne County law enforcement agencies have officers who have completed DWIHN CIT training.
- Allen Park Police Department
- Belleville Police Department
- Brownstown Township Police Department
- Canton Township Police Department
- Dearborn Heights Police Department
- Dearborn Police Department
- Detroit Police Department
- Ecorse Police Department
- Flat Rock Police Department
- Garden City Police Department
- Gibraltar Police Department
- Grosse Ile Township Police Department
- Grosse Pointe Farms Public Safety
- Grosse Pointe Park Police Department
- Grosse Pointe Police Department
- Grosse Pointe Shores Public Safety
- Grosse Pointe Woods Public Safety
- Hamtramck Police Department
- Harper Woods Police Department
- Highland Park Police Department
- Huron Township Police Department
- Inkster Police Department
- Lincoln Park Police Department
- Livonia Police Department
- Melvindale Police Department
- Michigan State Police, Metro Detroit
- Monroe County Sheriff, Detroit area
- Northville Township Police Department
- Northville Police Department
- Plymouth Police Department
- Plymouth Township Police Department
- Redford Township Police Department
- River Rouge Police Department
- Riverview Police Department
- Rockwood Police Department
- Romulus Police Department
- Southgate Police Department
- Taylor Police Department
- Trenton Police Department
- Van Buren Township Police Department
- Wayne County Sheriff's Office
- Wayne Police Department
- Westland Police Department
- Woodhaven Police Department
- Wyandotte Police Department
The CIT Alumni Network
Certified officers across Wayne County stay connected through the DWIHN CIT Alumni Network, sharing case insights, peer consultation, and continued education opportunities.
- Annual CIT symposium and refresher training
- Monthly CIT coordinator calls
- Case consultation with DWIHN clinicians
- Access to updated resource guides and diversion tools
- Recognition at the annual DWIHN CIT awards ceremony
Already CIT-certified?
Connect with the alumni network for ongoing support, consultation, and continuing education.
Join the Alumni NetworkCommon questions
What officers ask before enrolling
-
Basic CIT and CIT for Youth are open to all sworn law enforcement officers, deputies, and detectives in Wayne County. Corrections officers, dispatchers, and probation officers may attend on a case-by-case basis, contact us to discuss. CIT Refresher training is limited to officers who have already completed Basic CIT.
-
No. DWIHN funds CIT training for Wayne County law enforcement agencies at no cost to the department or officer. Meals are provided during training. If your agency is outside Wayne County, contact us to discuss options, we occasionally open sessions to neighboring jurisdictions.
-
Yes. Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) continuing education credit is available for Basic CIT and CIT for Youth. Contact your agency training coordinator to verify credit eligibility before enrolling. DWIHN provides a certificate of completion and training documentation for MCOLES submission.
-
Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour awareness course for the general public. CIT is a 40-hour law enforcement-specific program that goes significantly deeper, covering legal frameworks, diversion tools, de-escalation practice, site visits, and scenario-based training. CIT certification is recognized by law enforcement standards bodies. MHFA is not a substitute for CIT.
-
DWIHN supports agencies in building internal CIT programs. The CIT Coordinator track (part of the Refresher track) includes a train-the-trainer component. We also provide ongoing consultation, resource development, and policy guidance for agencies establishing a CIT unit. Contact our CIT coordinator to start a conversation.
-
DWIHN recommends a refresher every 2–3 years to stay current on de-escalation research, updated community resources, and legal developments. The annual CIT Symposium serves as a continuing education opportunity between formal renewals. There is no hard expiration on CIT certification unless your agency requires it internally.
Train the Trainer
CIT Instructor Application
This application takes approximately 30–45 minutes. Please answer each question thoughtfully, your responses help us match you with the right cohort and ensure a high-quality training experience for officers.
Ready to transform how your department responds to crisis?
No cost. No referral needed. Just officers ready to learn.