NEWS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
David Quinlan, Communications Manager | david.quinlan@cjtc.wa.gov
CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAM CERTIFICATION OFFERED BY WHATCOM COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Whatcom County, WA – December 18th, 2024 – The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), in partnership with the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC), recently offered 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) certification training in Whatcom County.
Twelve WCSO deputies, along with representatives from other local law enforcement agencies, including federal and tribal, and Whatcom County Health and Community Services, were certified through this training. This training equips first responders with the essential skills and knowledge to effectively respond to individuals experiencing mental health crises. The comprehensive program focuses on de-escalation techniques and understanding mental health conditions, legal aspects, and community resources.
Whatcom County Sheriff Donnell “Tank” Tanksley brought this vital training to Whatcom County.
"I am committed to ensuring our deputies have the best possible training to serve our community," said Tanksley. "The CIT certification training is a critical resource that will enable our deputies to respond with empathy, understanding, and effectiveness in mental health crises."
The CIT training program aims to:
- Improve communication between law enforcement, mental health providers, and the community;
- Increase the safety of both officers and individuals in crisis;
- Reduce arrests of people with mental illness; and
- Increase the likelihood of individuals receiving mental health services.
This local training program for law enforcement offers several significant advantages. By hosting training sessions locally, agencies can reduce costs associated with traveling to distant locations. Additionally, local training facilitates the sharing of resources among neighboring agencies, promoting interagency collaboration and cooperation.
“By collaborating with local jurisdictions and service providers, officers can better assist individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis, which increases the likelihood of positive outcomes,” said Corina Curtis, CJTC Program Specialist CIT Statewide. “The Whatcom County Sheriff's Office has taken a proactive approach to address the need for this training and its ongoing implementation. The 2024 Whatcom County CIT class was exceptional, and we look forward to the 2025 classes!”
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ABOUT WSCJTC: Established in 1974, WSCJTC provides training to law enforcement, corrections officers, and other public safety professionals. Its mission is to establish certification and training standards so criminal justice professionals in Washington state have the knowledge and skills to protect the communities it serves. For more information, visit Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.