Real stories, thought leadership, & measurable outcomes from Crisis Intervention Teams
Stories that make a difference
Crisis Intervention Team programs are changing how communities respond to mental health crises throughout Virginia. Behind the statistics are real stories of lives changed, safety improved, and communities strengthened.
On this page, we share the impact of CIT work while respecting the privacy and dignity of those involved. All personal stories have been anonymized and shared with appropriate permissions to protect individuals while highlighting the importance of this work.
Measurable impact across the Commonwealth
System Efficiency
We’re working on an interactive map showing CIT impact across all Virginia regions.
Thoughts and reflections from the team at Virginia CIT
Written by: Chris Rinker, Chief of Police, New Market Police Department In 2014, a conversation with a friend about police training introduced me to Crisis Intervention Training (CIT). He described it as a program designed to equip officers with the tools to respond effectively to individuals in crisis—and shared
Over the years, the curriculum for the 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training in Virginia has evolved to better serve law enforcement officers, mental health professionals, and individuals in crisis. Technology has been incorporated into classrooms. For example, allowing officers to experience auditory hallucinations to better understand the mental state
Today, while shopping for groceries, I passed a fellow shopper wearing a hoodie with the phrase, “Everybody is Fighting Something.” As our carts moved past each other, my first thought was, Cool shirt! My second thought was, I wonder what he’s fighting. What does it mean to approach others from
In my prior role as an Assistant Chief of Police for a mid-sized law enforcement agency, I conducted “kick-out” meetings with officers who successfully completed their field training program. During these meetings, I explained to newly sworn officers the importance of every interaction using the following metaphor: each successful, professional,
Making a difference one interaction at a time
CIT improves community perceptions by equipping officers with de-escalation techniques and empathy-focused skills, demonstrating a commitment to safety and compassionate interactions.
– Jimmy Chapman, Executive Director of VA CIT
When officers responded to a call about a distressed individual on a bridge, their CIT training made all the difference. Using de-escalation techniques and creating a connection through compassionate communication, officers were able to safely resolve the situation without force and connect the individual to mental health services.
– Officer from Southwest Virginia
After multiple crisis responses for the same individual, a CIT-trained officer worked with community mental health services to develop a coordinated care plan. Six months later, the individual has had no further crisis calls and is successfully engaged in treatment.
When a rural community faced repeated crises involving veterans, their CIT program partnered with local VA services to develop specialized response protocols. The result: a 60% reduction in veteran-involved crisis calls and improved connections to appropriate services.
– VA Services Coordinator
A specialized CIT-Youth program has trained officers to respond effectively to crisis situations involving adolescents. The program has led to a 45% increase in connecting youth to appropriate mental health services rather than juvenile detention.
Your contribution helps expand crisis intervention programs across Virginia
"If you work with the public, you need CIT. It changes how we connect, listen, and lead."
“I used my CIT training less than a day after graduating. It helped me reach someone when it mattered most.”
“On my first night back, CIT helped me turn a volatile moment into a safe outcome—someone in crisis chose evaluation over violence.”
"CIT isn’t just for crisis—it improves how we communicate with everyone, every day."
“It’s the passion and buy-in from our CIT trainers and stakeholders that keeps this movement alive—and ensures CIT remains a lasting force for change.”
“CIT opened my eyes to every responder’s role in a crisis—and changed the way I respond. I’ll be recommending it to everyone.”
News coverage and press resources
Press Release • May 5, 2025
Virginia CIT and Mindful Junkie Outreach Launch Tactical Brain Training Across VA
The Virginia CIT Coalition is proud to congratulate our Board Member, Retired Captain Kelly L. Walker, for being named the Michael Woody/Michele Saunders CIT Coordinator of the Year by CIT International.
See the impact of crisis intervention training
Follow officers and mental health co-responders through a typical shift as they respond to crisis situations.
How Virginia’s approach to mental health crises has transformed over the past decade.
An inside look at what officers experience during CIT training programs.
How effective partnerships between law enforcement and mental health services are saving lives.
Measuring impact for sustainable change
Our annual impact reports provide comprehensive data on how CIT programs are creating safer communities and more effective use of resources across the Commonwealth.
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