Training Classes

CIT certification class; 5 full days; Intense and interactive. POST Approved.

This course gives an in-depth look at mental illness and its implications for law enforcement. We cover: schizophrenia and psychotic disorders, mood disorders, cognitive disorders, personality and substance disorders, suicide assessment, adolescent and elder issues, PTSD,  suicide by cop, and mental health courts. Advocates and consumers of mental health services speak on their experiences. There will also be a panel of providers for a panel discussion as well as extensive role-play exercises featuring professional actors.

This class is for all first responders.

Mental Health Awareness Class; 1 full day; POST Approved

This 8-hour class is helpful to understanding the basics of mental illness. The class will cover an overview of mental illness: schizophrenia and psychotic disorders, mood disorders, cognitive disorders, personality and substance disorders. We will look at the causes and nature of the illnesses, typical patterns of behaviors, common medications, and guidelines for officer response. We provide information on de-escalation methods in the class and we also do role-playing with professional actors.

This class is for all first responders.

Mental Health Awareness Class with Refresher; 1 full day; POST Approved

This 8-hour class is helpful to understanding the basics of mental illness. The class will cover an overview of mental illness: schizophrenia and psychotic disorders, mood disorders, cognitive disorders, personality and substance disorders. We will look at the causes and nature of the illnesses, typical patterns of behaviors, common medications, and guidelines for officer response. We provide information on de-escalation methods in the class and we also do role-playing with professional actors.

This class will serve as a refresher course for those who have completed the 40 Hour CIT Certification Class.  

Bias and Cultural Awareness & ASD Class; 1 full day; POST Approved

This 8-hour class will include 4 hours of helping to understand prejudices in society and a review of how bias is formed, maintained and changed. The class will also provide an awareness of the differences in cultures for the first responder.  An additional 4 hours will cover Autism Spectrum Disorder, the symptoms to watch for,  and the behavior associated with it. Information will be provided to help understand these differences in society and how to avoid misunderstandings and improve communication.

Coaches Class; 1 full day; POST Approved

Pre-requisite must have completed the MN CIT 40-Hour Certificate Class

The 8-Hour Coaches Class is required for anyone wanting to be a Coach for MN CIT.  This class teaches participants the techniques and skills to be able to successfully coach a group of students during the class scenarios. Please note coaches that are sworn officers will be given priority in scheduling for trainings in which the attendees are also sworn officers.

24-Hour CIT Online Courses – POST approved

This is a series of 24 hours of eLearning courses for first responders that provide an understanding of major and severe forms of mental illness, give an in-depth look at its implications for law enforcement, develop a practical assessment plan for working with people in crisis, as well as teach intervention and de-escalation techniques while addressing the safety for all involved. In addition to covering mental illnesses, this will also include substance disorders, suicide assessment, adolescent and elder issues, ASD, PTSD, suicide by cop, officer wellness, cultural considerations and implicit bias, and mental health courts.

16-Hour Interactive Role Play Scenario – 2 days, POST approved.

**Pre-requisite must have completed the 24-Hour CIT Online Courses.

This in-person 16-hour training is for those who have completed the 24 hours of eLearning modules. This class will be taught by CIT instructors, CIT coaches, and professional actors. It will consist of 12 hours of interactive role play which will enable you to demonstrate the skills taught throughout the online training, as well as 4 hours of mental health and review.