CIT graduates; image by McNabb Center

KNOXVILLE - Thirty-one participants, including law enforcement, security officers, first responders, and medical staff, graduated from Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training on Friday, June 5, 2026.

Graduates are staff members of: American Medical Response (AMR), Covenant Health Emergency Department, Covenant Health Security Department, Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital Security Department, Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Knoxville Fire Department, Knoxville Police Department, University of Tennessee Police Department, University of Tennessee Medical Center Emergency Department and University of Tennessee Medical Center Security Department, Rural Metro Fire Department and the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority Department of Safety.

CIT-trained officers undergo 40 hours of intensive training, which helps them identify mental health resources to assist people in crisis. The training connects officers with mental health professionals and other community agencies to form a team that can provide support in challenging situations. In addition, officers learn verbal de-escalation skills and experience scenario-based training on responding to crises.

The McNabb Center is the region’s leading nonprofit provider of mental health, substance use, social, and victim services. The Center provides a quality and compassionate approach to care from infancy through adulthood. Since 1948, it has proudly served individuals with the most needs and fewest resources. Today, the McNabb Center delivers support to more than 52,000 people throughout East Tennessee each year. For more information, visit mcnabbcenter.org or call 1-800-255-9711.