The Hawaii Police Department has announced the addition of 10 new officers to its Crisis Intervention Team, or CIT.
This marks a significant milestone, as this training was expanded to include not only HPD officers but also three deputies from the state Sheriff’s Division, three officers from the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement, and two police communications officers from the HPD Communications Dispatch Section, according to an HPD press release.
The newly trained officers, all assigned to East Hawaii, completed a rigorous 40-hour course in Hilo, culminating in a recognition ceremony on Oct. 18.
This was the fifth CIT training course held on the Big Island, sponsored by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the Hawaii State Rural Health Association, HPD, and the mayor’s office. A similar training was held in Kona earlier this year with 12 HPD personnel completing CIT training.
HPD now boasts 77 CIT-certified officers, representing 18% of its sworn personnel. By extending training to other law enforcement agencies and dispatchers, HPD is taking a proactive step toward improving crisis response across the island.
CIT is a groundbreaking approach to police-based crisis intervention. It involves collaboration between law enforcement, mental health providers and community advocates to provide specialized training for officers. This training equips officers with the skills to de-escalate situations involving individuals experiencing mental health crisis.
CIT helps to improve outcomes for both individuals in crisis and the officers responding to the situation. Studies have shown CIT can significantly reduce the use of force, improve officer safety, and foster a more positive relationship between law enforcement and the community.