05/02/2026
On Friday, May 1, Empire Mental Health participated in the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training program hosted through the City of Sioux Falls at the Public Safety Administration Building.
As a part of the training, two panel sessions were held : one featuring individuals with lived experience of mental and behavioral health conditions, and another with family members of individuals navigating these challenges. Panelists from Empire Mental Health shared their experiences and engaged in open discussion with law enforcement officers, offering valuable perspective on how crises are experienced and how responses can be improved.
These conversations are a critical part of the 40-hour CIT training. The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), also known as the “Memphis Model,” is an innovative, community-based training model that prepares law enforcement to respond to individuals experiencing behavioral and developmental health crises. It is built on collaboration between law enforcement, behavioral health providers, and community partners, with the goal of improving safety, reducing stigma & unnecessary involvement with the criminal justice system while connecting individuals to appropriate behavioral health services.
We are grateful to our participants for representing Empire Mental Health and contributing to efforts that center dignity, safety, and collaboration within our community. 💚💛
You can visit this link for more information on CIT - https://vimeo.com/533695447?share=copy
