In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing crisis response, the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) launched its Collaborative Crisis Response Intervention Training (CRIT) program. Funded by a Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) grant, with technical assistance provided by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), this innovative effort aims to foster collaboration between law enforcement and Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), ensuring more effective and compassionate responses to behavioral health crises throughout the state. A Public-Safety Answering Point (PSAP), is a specialized call center designed to receive and manage emergency calls from the public. These calls are directed to first responders, including law enforcement, fire services, or emergency medical personnel.
CRIT expands upon existing Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) to include additional focus areas, such as intellectual and developmental disabilities. The DCJ CRIT training will add information on symptoms of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Leveraging the Train the Trainer (T4T) model, CRIT will provide two rural and one suburban agency in Colorado with the tools and resources needed to independently facilitate these trainings. The T4T model empowers selected trainers by providing them with comprehensive instruction and resources, enabling them to train their teams independently. This approach not only ensures sustainability but also allows for the widespread dissemination of the CRIT curriculum.
The program’s collaborative design incorporates joint training sessions, creating shared terminology and experiences among law enforcement officers, PSAP specialists, and behavioral health professionals.
"Emergency communication specialists are often the first professionals a person in crisis interacts with," said Matthew Lunn, director of the Division of Criminal Justice. "By training together, law enforcement and PSAPs can better understand each other's roles, enhance communication and increase the likelihood of positive outcomes."
Currently, PSAPs in Colorado operate as independent entities, managed by a range of organizations, including local sheriff’s departments, municipal agencies, and the Colorado State Patrol. While their expertise is crucial to triaging crises, gaps in collaborative training have persisted. Law enforcement officers rely heavily on information provided by PSAPs, yet the two groups rarely train together. The CRIT initiative directly addresses this disconnect, equipping first responders with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify alternative responses to crises and reduce reliance on traditional law enforcement tactics.
The training initiative is designed for law enforcement agencies, PSAPs, disability service providers and advocates, behavioral health professionals, and alternative response programs such as mobile crisis teams and co-responders. By fostering collaboration, the CRIT program aims to:
- Improve communication between first responders.
- Enhance understanding of behavioral health and disability-related needs.
- Increase the use of alternative crisis resources.
- Reduce adverse outcomes associated with law enforcement responses.
"Through grant funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, a component of the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, fees for travel, back-fill position, and overtime will be covered for participants during the initial training sessions," said Dr. Erin Crites, policy advisor for the Division of Criminal Justice. “This support ensures agencies can participate without financial burden, a key factor in attracting applicants to training, set to launch in late 2025.”
In 2025, DCJ will invite law enforcement agencies, PSAPs, and service providers to apply for participation in the program. Selected teams will play a pivotal role in piloting the training model, setting the stage for statewide implementation.
“Calls involving behavioral health crises require a nuanced, informed approach,” said Matthew Lunn, director for the Division of Criminal Justice. “This training will not only enhance the ability of first responders to communicate effectively but also ensure the safety and well-being of individuals in crisis.”
By bridging the gap between PSAPs and law enforcement, the state is setting a precedent for effective, collaborative crisis response—a critical step toward ensuring every call for help receives the thoughtful, compassionate response it deserves.