In 2010, the department recognized the need for officers to receive advanced training in dealing with people suffering from mental illness. Law enforcement officers are often the first ones to respond to calls for service. The Greenville Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Team’s goal is to help those with serious mental disorders access medical treatment, rather than placing them in the criminal justice system for illness-related behaviors.
The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program is a community partnership of law enforcement, mental health professionals, mental health consumers, and family member advocates.
Officer Participation
Currently there are approximately 154 Greenville Police officers who have completed 40 hours of crisis intervention training and learned de-escalation methods. These officers are assigned throughout the department and are available to respond to calls for service 24/7. These officers utilize their specialized training to safely and effectively communicate with mentally ill individuals while ensuring a safe outcome to potentially volatile situations.