Crisis Intervention Training training is designed to educate and prepare police officers who come into contact with people in crisis recognize the signs and symptoms of various brain disorders and to respond effectively and appropriately to individuals in crisis. Because police officers are often the first responders in these incidents, it is essential that they know how mental disorders can alter people's behaviors and perceptions. The trained CIT Officer is skilled at de- escalating crises involving people with mental illness, while bringing an element of understanding and compassion to individuals experiencing these difficult situations.

The Pitt CIT program planning began in January 2006. The first 12 months were spent building partnerships and program development in Pitt County. With great success and overwhelming support within the community throughout the development stage, we then began the implementation phase of the program. In January 2007, we conducted our first 40-hour CIT training and certified 25 officers. Since the first training in January 2007, 177 law enforcement officers have completed the initial 40-hour voluntary training offered through the Pitt County CIT based program—16 representing school resource officers. The first 16-hour telecommunicator/911 dispatcher training in North Carolina was implemented in Pitt County in December 2007. Forty-nine (49) telecommunicators have been certified through the Pitt Community College CIT training program.