Larimer County and CSU aim to broaden crisis‑intervention training beyond law enforcement

Larimer County staff and Colorado State University collaborators described efforts to expand crisis‑intervention team (CIT) training from law‑enforcement audiences to a broader set of community partners.

Mary Peterson and Melissa Johnson, training coordinators for Community Justice Alternatives, explained that CIT's core goal is to equip participants with de‑escalation skills and pathways to connect people in crisis to behavioral‑health services rather than relying solely on the criminal justice system. "CIT stands for crisis intervention teams, and at its heart it is an initiative built on collaboration," Peterson said.

They noted barriers: the average cost to certify an instructor is over $2,000, scenario‑based training requires backfill and logistical support, and historically courses have reserved only two to three seats for community partners. To expand access, presenters outlined a partnership with CSU that would supply actors for realistic scenario trainings and faculty to tailor curricula to local needs. Presenters said this approach can create a trauma‑informed network across law enforcement, behavioral‑health providers, schools and community organizations.

Peterson and Johnson described a recent July certification course co‑hosted with the Larimer County Sheriff's Office that produced 18 new certifications across partners (LCSO, CJA, SummitStone Health Partners and Thompson Valley School District), and noted plans for an upcoming stakeholder meeting to identify training needs and scale offerings.

Commissioners expressed support and asked about train‑the‑trainer opportunities and curricular adaptations; presenters said the official CIT program maintains certain training controls but CSU and CJVI may help build modified or expanded curricula to reach more civilian staff. The county did not vote on policy during the session; staff said further planning and stakeholder convenings will guide next steps.