Chattanooga, TN – Ten members of the Chattanooga Police Department, including both officers and professional staff, have completed a week-long Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training aimed at improving the department’s response to mental health crises.
The intensive training is part of CPD’s ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and better serve residents facing mental health challenges. In 2024 alone, CPD has already responded to 3,285 mental health-related calls — a statistic that underscores the importance of specialized training for law enforcement personnel.
The CIT program equips participants with the tools to recognize signs of mental illness, de-escalate situations, and connect individuals with appropriate resources. Officials say the training not only benefits those in crisis, but also increases safety for officers and the wider community.
Department leaders praised the officers for their commitment to professional development and to compassionate policing. “This is an important step in our work to ensure that every member of our community receives the right response at the right time,” a CPD spokesperson said.
The names of the officers and staff who completed the training have not yet been released, but CPD plans to continue offering CIT sessions throughout the year.