Springfield, OR – Dozens of Lane County law enforcement officers completed a 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training this week, part of a regional effort to improve police response to individuals experiencing mental health crises.
According to the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, the training was held at the Springfield Police Department and Hillview Baptist Church in Springfield. The program brought together officers from multiple agencies, including the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, Springfield Police Department, Eugene Police Department, Junction City Police Department, and others.
CIT training is designed to teach law enforcement how to recognize, de-escalate, and assist people in mental health emergencies. The curriculum covers addiction awareness, communication strategies, and alternatives to incarceration. Participants also hear directly from community members with lived experience of mental illness and recovery.
Sessions include specialized instruction for interactions with veterans, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and individuals with developmental disabilities. Near the end of the week, officers participate in role-based scenario training to apply what they’ve learned.
The Lane County Regional Crisis Intervention Team says the training aims to provide a foundation for safer, more compassionate encounters between officers and residents. It concludes with a focus on officer resilience and mental wellness—helping both the public and law enforcement achieve better outcomes in high-stress situations.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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