LĪHUʻE, Hawaii (KHON2) -- On Jun. 7, 14, the Kaua‘i Police Department (KPD) hosted a training that allowed individuals to become a certified member of the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT).
The CIT training equips officers with specialized skills and techniques to navigate such scenarios with empathy, de-escalation strategies and an understanding of mental health nuances. By integrating CIT principles, law enforcement agencies enhance their ability to provide compassionate and effective responses, ultimately fostering safer outcomes for both individuals in crisis and the broader community.
The training drew participation from state, county, and community partners, including the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Department of Law Enforcement Sheriff Division, and representatives from the Kaua‘i Community College.
The return of the CIT program, previously held in 2018 and 2023, marks the start of what KPD hopes will develop a deeper level of collaboration between agencies for a community-driven approach to solving crisis situations.
"I'm grateful for each one of you; taking the time to attend this training reflects your dedication and care for the safety and wellbeing of our community,” Assistant Chief Mark Ozaki addressed the class. “Let's continue to use this momentum to strengthen partnerships and turn every interaction into an opportunity to uplift and empower those we serve."