What is the purpose of crisis intervention training?

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Crisis intervention training focuses on recognizing when someone is in a mental health crisis and responding with de-escalation and calm, nonpersistent force. Officers learn to read symptoms, build rapport, use open-ended questions and calm, respectful language, and apply safe distancing and time to reduce risk. The goal is to connect the person to appropriate support or treatment, rather than escalating to arrest or force. This approach keeps people safer, preserves dignity, and often leads to better outcomes by coordinating with mental health professionals and community resources. It’s not about rapid arrest, ignoring de-escalation, or replacing clinicians; it’s about equipping officers to handle crises effectively and humanely.