Medford Police Officers Participate in Crisis Intervention Training

Medford, Oregon- This month, Medford Police officers are participating in Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) with the assistance of Jackson County Health and Human Services. This program is designed to enhance officers’ response to individuals experiencing crises related to mental health conditions and substance use disorders.

“CIT training is an opportunity for the community to come together to increase the safety of our community,” said Rick Rawlins, Crisis Programs & Outpatient Services Manager for Jackson County Mental Health. “By giving officers a greater understanding of mental health and substance use challenges, teaching best-practice skills and learning of local resources for those they encounter, CIT helps to accomplish the goal of increasing safety for all in the community.”

Each training session includes presentations by local community leaders on relevant topics, tours of local agencies that are key partners in community safety and services, and scenario-based exercises. The trainings also feature first-hand accounts of recovery and wellness, such as a mother sharing her perspective on her son’s mental health journey.

“Ensuring that our police officers receive comprehensive crisis intervention training remains a priority for MPD,” said Medford Police Deputy Chief Trevor Arnold. “We believe our commitment to this training is an investment in the safety and well-being of our community as a whole.”

The goals of the CIT program are to:

Improve safety during law enforcement encounters with people experiencing a mental health crisis, for everyone involved.
Increase connections to effective and timely mental health services for people in mental health crisis.
Use law enforcement strategically during crisis situations—such as when there is an imminent threat to safety or a criminal concern—and increase the role of mental health professionals, peer support specialists, and other community supports.
Reduce the trauma that people experience during a mental health crisis and thus contribute to their long-term recovery.

The Medford Police Department has participated in these annual training opportunities for over 10 years.