BERKS COUNTY, PA — The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) announced a new statewide Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Technical Assistance Center initiative, aiming to enhance community safety and strengthen responses to individuals experiencing mental health crises. Unveiled at an event in Berks County, the initiative underscores the state’s commitment to improving outcomes for both citizens and first responders in emergency situations.
The CIT model emphasizes collaboration among law enforcement, correctional staff, mental health professionals, and community advocates to de-escalate crises and connect individuals to appropriate care. “Crisis intervention programs and trainings have made a critical difference for individuals experiencing crisis, including here in Berks County,” said Jackie Weaknecht, Director of PCCD’s Office of Justice Programs. “The CIT Technical Assistance Center will not only help counties build and strengthen their CIT programs, but it will also ensure that they’re grounded in best practices… and equipped with the tools needed to create real, lasting change.”
Berks County, a leader in implementing CIT, has trained 67 first responders, officers, and professionals since launching its program in early 2024. Led by Connections Work’s Forensic Diversion Team, in collaboration with the Berks County Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities Program Office and Alvernia University, the program offers comprehensive week-long sessions covering topics like suicide prevention, de-escalation tactics, and emergency response. “CIT training empowers officers to see beyond the behavior, recognize the human need, and respond with skill, empathy, and purpose,” said Kristy Belschwinder, Forensic Diversion Program Manager.
Pennsylvania’s CIT initiative builds on a history of success, with 40 counties already operating programs since 2010. Backed by nearly $2 million in investments under the Shapiro Administration, the initiative leverages federal funding from the U.S. Department of Justice. Studies have shown CIT programs improve officer confidence, promote safer outcomes, and incrementally reduce the stigma associated with mental health crises while increasing diversion to care rather than incarceration.
“CIT training enables law enforcement to recognize and react appropriately… and allows law enforcement to better determine which individuals should be diverted to the mental health system to receive help,” stated Berks County District Attorney John Adams.
With the new Technical Assistance Center, Pennsylvania aims to broaden the reach and effectiveness of CIT programs statewide, creating a smarter and more compassionate crisis response framework for years to come.
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