Several officers from the Cleveland Division of Police Third District recently completed Specialized Crisis Intervention Team (S-CIT) training, a program that plays an important role in the way officers respond to people experiencing mental health crises.
S-CIT builds on the foundation of standard CIT training with deeper instruction in de-escalation, scene assessment, and recognizing signs of trauma, substance use, and behavioral health conditions. Officers also learn how to connect individuals with appropriate community resources—often as an alternative to arrest or emergency hospitalization.
Graduates of the program are better prepared to respond with calm, clarity, and purpose in situations that often unfold quickly and under stress. That training doesn’t just protect lives—it also strengthens trust between law enforcement and the people they serve.
The Cleveland Police Foundation is proud to recognize these Third District officers for taking this step toward a more informed and compassionate model of policing. Their willingness to listen, learn, and adapt helps move the entire profession forward.