Image of CIT members assisting individual in crisis

Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Program

You Are Not Alone - Help Is Always Available

If you are experiencing difficult thoughts or emotional distress, please know that support is just a call away. You matter, and help is available 24/7, 365 days a year.

  • Call 988 – A free, confidential crisis lifeline where trained professionals are ready to listen and support you.
  • San Francisco Suicide Prevention’s Confidential Hotline: 415-781-0500 – Compassionate, judgment-free support whenever needed.
  • Free, confidential 24/7 support at your fingertips - text "HOME" to 741741 (Crisis Test Line)

If you know someone experiencing a mental health crisis, don’t hesitate to seek help:

  • Call 911 – Describe the individual and their situation so trained responders can assist them with care and professionalism.

You are never alone. There is hope, there is help, and we are here for you.

Our Mission: Compassion, Respect, and Dedication to Service

Image of Police Sergeant assisting individual

At the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD), we are more than just law enforcement—we are guardians of safety, advocates for mental health, and partners in crisis intervention. Every day, we stand united in our commitment to serving our community with compassion, respect, and dignity.

We understand that individuals experiencing mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), behavioral crises, and substance use disorders need a response that is informed, patient, and understanding. Our mission is to respond with empathy, professionalism, and a steadfast dedication to public safety—ensuring everyone receives the care, protection, and respect they deserve.

We believe that every life matters. Every person in crisis deserves to be heard, valued, and helped. Through fostering trust, prioritizing de-escalation, and strengthening partnerships with our community, we strive to turn moments of crisis into opportunities for safety, recovery, and support.

Always Evolving: Commitment to Excellence in Crisis Response

Image of Crisis Intervention Team members assisting individual in need

At SFPD, we believe that progress is driven by innovation, education, and collaboration. As the needs of our community evolve, so do we. By continuously improving our strategies, training, and partnerships, we ensure that our crisis response remains effective, compassionate, and deeply rooted in public safety.

Since 2011, the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Working Group—a collaboration of criminal justice professionals, mental health service providers, community advocates, and local leaders—has revolutionized how we respond to mental health crises. Through this initiative:

  • Over 70% of our sworn officers have completed 40 hours of specialized de-escalation training, equipping them with critical skills to respond safely and effectively to individuals in crisis.
  • We have extended training and certification to partner agencies across San Francisco, ensuring that our approach is cohesive, informed, and comprehensive.
  • The success of our CIT Program has gained recognition beyond San Francisco and even outside California, inspiring other agencies to learn from our model and adopt best practices.

We are determined to set the standard for crisis intervention nationwide—proving that a compassionate, community-centered approach is the key to safer and more effective policing.

A Commitment to Safer Outcomes

We knew that training alone wasn’t enough—we needed real, measurable change. That’s why, in 2016, we took a bold step forward, expanding our training to include tactical responses to behavioral crises. These strategies prioritize de-escalation and emphasize minimal use of force—and the results have been transformative:

  • 68% Reduction in Use-of-Force Incidents – Between 2016 and 2020, use-of-force incidents plummeted, demonstrating the effectiveness of our enhanced training.
  • 80% Reduction in Officers Pointing Firearms – A major shift that reflects our commitment to reducing confrontations and strengthening trust.
  • 18 Consecutive Months Without an Officer-Involved Shooting – A historic milestone for a major metropolitan city, proving that de-escalation tactics save lives.

These numbers are not just statistics—they represent lives saved, communities strengthened, and a brighter future for crisis intervention.

CIT Liaison Program: Support at Every Station

To ensure that our crisis intervention strategies are applied consistently across the city, each District Station Captain has appointed two CIT Liaison Officers. These dedicated officers act as:

  • Station-level experts on crisis response, providing guidance and training to their colleagues.
  • A direct link to the CIT Unit, ensuring coordinated, effective responses across all districts.
  • Advocates for best practices, reinforcing compassionate, informed crisis intervention at every level of SFPD.

With CIT Liaisons in every district, we ensure that every officer is supported and equipped to handle crisis situations with skill and empathy.

A Collaborative Approach: The Co-Responder Crisis Response Model

Image of CIT members assisting individual in crisis

We know that mental health crises require more than just a law enforcement response—they require expertise, compassion, and coordinated care. That’s why we developed the Co-Responder Crisis Response Model, a groundbreaking partnership between SFPD and the Department of Public Health (DPH).

  • 24/7 Mental Health Professionals – Licensed clinicians respond alongside officers, ensuring individuals in crisis receive immediate, expert care.
  •  Collaboration with the San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD) Street Crisis Response Team – A unit that primarily operates without law enforcement but partners with us when safety concerns arise.

By combining law enforcement with mental health expertise, we are creating a system that prioritizes care over confrontation and solutions over escalation.

Recognizing Excellence: The CIT Awards Ceremony

Every day, officers and crisis response professionals go above and beyond to serve those in need. Each year, SFPD and the CIT Working Group come together to celebrate and honor those who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication, skill, and compassion in crisis intervention.

The CIT Awards Ceremony is more than just recognition—it’s a celebration of progress, a tribute to those who make a difference, and a reminder that our work is changing lives.

We are inspired by those who lead with heart and service, and we remain committed to setting new standards of excellence in crisis response.

Our Ongoing Commitment: Leading with Innovation, Compassion, and Trust

Our mission doesn’t stop here. We are committed to continued growth, innovation, and leadership in crisis intervention.

At SFPD, we pledge to:

  • Advance our training to align with the latest research and best practices in crisis response.
  • Strengthen our partnerships with mental health professionals, advocates, and community organizations.
  • Reinforce public trust through transparency, accountability, and a relentless dedication to service.

We believe in progress. We believe in the power of compassion. And above all, we believe in the people we serve.

Together, we are making a difference—one compassionate response at a time.

Crisis Intervention Team Annual Reports

General Orders & Policies

External Links & Additional Information

Contact Information

Email: [email protected]


Lieutenant Donald Anderson
Officer in Charge / Crisis Intervention Team Coordinator

At SFPD, we are redefining what it means to protect and serve—by leading with understanding, by responding with care, and by ensuring that every individual in crisis finds the help they deserve.

Additional Support & Resources

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