(Franklin County, IN) – Franklin County Sheriff’s deputies Donald Forsee and Alex VanWinkle recently completed Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) certification.
CIT training is a specialized program designed to equip law enforcement officers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively respond to those experiencing mental health crises, substance abuse issues, developmental disabilities, and other behavioral health emergencies.
Through this training, Forsee and VanWinkle received advanced instruction in crisis assessment, de-escalation techniques, effective communication strategies, and community resource referral.
CIT-certified deputies are trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of behavioral health crises and use proven techniques to safely resolve incidents while connecting people with appropriate treatment and support services whenever possible.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement that it remains committed to providing professional law enforcement services and ensuring deputies have access to specialized training that enhances both public safety and community members’ well-being.
In addition, Sheriff Pete Cates and the agency’s administration, “…congratulate deputies Forsee and VanWinkle on this accomplishment and their continued commitment to serving the citizens of Franklin County.”
The CIT program has been active in neighboring Decatur County since early last year.
