OCSO Crisis Intervention Team
Compassionate Response. Professional Service. Community Partnership.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) is committed to ensuring individuals experiencing mental health crises receive safe, compassionate, and effective assistance. Through specialized training, collaboration, and community partnerships, our deputies are equipped to de-escalate crises and connect individuals with the resources they need.
Specialized Training
Our Crisis Intervention Team includes 30 specially trained deputy sheriffs who respond to complex behavioral health incidents and serve as certified CIT instructors throughout the agency. Their expertise helps ensure consistent, professional, and compassionate responses to crisis situations.
The Sheriff’s Office provides a comprehensive 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team training program for sworn deputies and civilian employees who interact with the public. Training includes:
- Crisis de-escalation techniques
- Recognizing signs and symptoms of mental illness
- Behavioral health resources and community services
- Site visits to treatment facilities
- Scenario-based practical exercises
Our Commitment
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has certified more than 1,300 sworn personnel and 200 civilian employees in Crisis Intervention Team training, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to enhancing public safety and improving interactions with individuals experiencing behavioral health crises.
Strong Community Partnerships
We work closely with behavioral health providers, advocacy organizations, and community partners to promote effective crisis response, connect individuals to appropriate services, reduce unnecessary involvement in the criminal justice system, and support healthier outcomes for our community.
Together, we are building safer communities through compassion, collaboration, and professional service.