Expert Instructors

Benefit from the knowledge and expertise our dedicated instructors bring to the training environment.

Research-Informed Curriculum

Explore managed response concepts and strategies through our research-informed curriculum.

Realistic Application

Gain practical proficiency in applying managed response concepts and strategies to real-world scenarios.

About the course

Tuesday, July 22, 2025 – Friday, July 25, 2025  |  7:00 am – 6:00 pm Ellis County Sheriff’s Office | 2272 FM 878, Waxahachie, Texas 75165 This 40-hour TCOLE-mandated course prepares Texas peace officers to effectively respond to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis and/or living with mental illness. The training promotes officer safety, public safety, and improved outcomes during high-risk encounters involving behavioral or emotional distress. Participants will learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of crisis and mental illness, apply de-escalation and crisis intervention strategies, and navigate legal considerations involved in crisis response. The course includes expert-led instruction and discussion, practical strategies to support a managed response, and scenario-based training that reinforces decision-making at critical moments. This training is hosted and reported to TCOLE by Ellis County Sheriff’s Office.

Agenda

This 40-hour training is completed over four 10-hour training days (lunch break not included). Day 1 • 700am-1200pm: Lecture and discussion • 1200pm-100pm: Lunch break • 100pm-600pm: Lecture and discussion Day 2 • 700am-1200pm: Lecture and discussion • 1200pm-100pm: Lunch break • 100pm-600pm: Lecture and discussion Day 3 • 700am-1200pm: Lecture and discussion • 1200pm-100pm: Lunch break • 100pm-600pm: Lecture and discussion Day 4 • 700am-1200pm: Lecture and discussion • 1200pm-100pm: Lunch break • 100pm-500pm: Scenario-based training • 500pm-600pm: Written examination and training evaluation

Learning Objectives

As documented in the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement’s (TCOLE’s) Crisis Intervention Training (CIT), course #1850, training curriculum. • Discuss the origins of crisis intervention training. • Discuss the problem of mental health crisis as it pertains to law enforcement. • Discuss SB 1849 and the legislative mandates that resulted. • Reiterate the goals of crisis intervention training. • Explain crisis intervention training’s impact on community relations. • Define the meaning of “crisis” as it pertains to crisis intervention training. • List several potential causes for a mental health crisis. • Develop an increased awareness of mental illness and the adversity that surrounds a mental health diagnosis. • Define “insanity” and discuss how the term is defined in Texas. • Explore the concept of “normal” versus “abnormal” behavior. • Review national and statewide statistics related to mental health, physical health, and the prevalence of these issues in the population. • Explore several reasons why many people do not seek treatment for mental illness. • Explore the concept of “stigma.” • Describe the role and complications of psychotropic medications. • Describe some of the reasons people stop taking medications. • Dispel common myths regarding mental illness. • Review various mental illnesses and the impact such illnesses can have on a person’s life. • Identify behaviors associated with personality disorders. • Identify behaviors associated with mood disorders. • Identify behaviors associated with thought disorders. • Identify symptoms associated with the ingestion specific types of drugs and controlled substances. • Identify symptoms and behaviors associated with cognitive disorders. • Explore the causes of traumatic brain injury. • Describe the symptoms and behaviors associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. • Identify methods most effective in talking to someone with dementia. • Describe developmental disorders, and recognize the symptoms and behaviors • associated with autism spectrum disorders. • Define the term “intellectual disability” and discuss what that means in terms of law enforcement interaction. • Distinguish the degrees of intellectual disability. • Discuss effective communication methods for individuals that have an intellectual disability. • List some of the causes of post-traumatic stress. • Recognize symptoms and behaviors of an individual experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder. • Discuss the effects of trauma on veterans. • Define a moral injury. • Define survivor’s guilt. • Recognize the symptoms and behaviors of post-traumatic stress disorder in a veteran. • Use techniques to build rapport with veterans or others experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder. • Describe the relationship between inter-personal violence and post-traumatic stress disorder. • Discuss the statistics and terminology of suicide and suicide prevention. • Recognize symptoms and behaviors that indicate an increased suicide risk. • List protective factors against suicide. • Use a suicide risk assessment. • Assist an individual to name and contact personal support resources. • Discuss statistics and trends in law enforcement suicide. • Discuss ways to change current mental health culture. • Discuss a variety of advanced modes of communication to assist in dealing with someone in a crisis and be able to display them in interaction and role play. • Discuss and be able to effectively utilize an initial three-point assessment. • Discuss and utilize the “5 Universal Truths of Human Interaction.” • Implement tactics for gaining trust and building rapport. • Define the 80/20 rule. • Discuss the LEAPS model of communication, be able to list its components, and • demonstrate proficiency in its use. • List and describe the crisis intervention skills involved in communicating with people experiencing mental illness. • Identify examples of “I” statements versus “you” statements. • Define the terms tactical transparency. • Discuss options for responding appropriately to verbal abuse. • Define the term “deinstitutionalization” and discuss the criminal justice system and its relationship with those suffering from mental illness. • Explore the relationship between homelessness, mental illness, and victimization. • Explore legal considerations for police intervening in a mental health crisis and learn about the provisions that pertain to law enforcement duties in the Health and Safety Code. • Read, fill out, and demonstrate proper implementation of a Police Officer Emergency Detention. • Discuss transportation options and officer safety. • Define the term “diversion” and discuss programs and options for avoiding the incarceration of those experiencing mental illness. • Discuss Mental Health Court as a form of diversion. • Discuss community and referral resources and options within his/her respective geographical area.

Train with purpose. Lead with confidence.

Build your skills in crisis intervention, and be ready when it matters most. Register today.

$300.00