Alexandria CIT trains sixteen responders

Sixteen first responders in Alexandria completed a 40-hour specialized training program this spring. The curriculum focuses on behavioral health crisis response, a model the city has utilized since 2010 to alter how officers and medics handle volatile situations.

The training combines classroom instruction with practical experience. Participants from law enforcement, fire, EMS, and dispatch services learned to identify psychiatric symptoms and apply de-escalation techniques. The goal is to reduce the frequency of arrests and limit the use of force when citizens are in crisis.

A core component of the spring cohort’s education involved a visit to the West End Wellness Center. This day support program serves residents living with serious mental health conditions. The sixteen trainees shared a lunch with program members and observed their daily routines. This direct contact allowed officers to engage in open conversations about the lived experiences of those they serve.

Yinka Olarinde, the city’s CIT Coordinator, described the program as a bridge between different community sectors. He stated that the initiative aims to debunk stereotypes and improve communication gaps. Olarinde noted that these integrated lunches help bolster positive exchanges between first responders and residents. The city views the program as a method to strengthen long-term trust and ensure dignity during high-stress interactions.

Alexandria’s program has trained hundreds of personnel since its launch. It operates as a nationally recognized framework for improving public safety. By prioritizing collaborative problem-solving over traditional policing methods, the city seeks to connect individuals to safety and services more effectively.