Inaugural Crisis Intervention Training For Correctional Staff

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) recently partnered with the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office and the Robertson County Sheriff’s Office to bring a nationally recognized training to Tennessee.  The National Institute of Correction’s (NIC) Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) teaches correctional staff to better manage individuals suffering from mental illness.  CIT empowers front line staff to not only recognize symptoms of a mental health crisis, but also gives staff additional tools to de-escalate a potential critical situation. 

The Tennessee class received 40-hours of training that involved lectures, role playing and visits to local facilities that specialize in mental health care.  On Friday, September 1st, 30 correctional professionals graduated and received CIT certification.  The participants of this inaugural class will then return to their respective agencies and, with assistance from NIC, create a custom training for their agency. 

“This nationally recognized training really moves Tennessee to another dimension in corrections,” says Commissioner Tony Parker.  “This training builds upon the skills that are being taught at the Tennessee Corrections Academy and gives our staff methods that not only impact offender safety but will positively impact officer safety as well.”