The Montgomery County Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) was recognized with the Response Team of the Year Award by CIT International.
The team is a full time, multidisciplinary co-response unit focused on behavioral health emergences through de-escalation strategies and a commitment to preserving life.
The award honors a group that consistently demonstrates outstanding application of crisis intervention principles. Criteria include effective use of de-escalation techniques, referrals to community resources, volunteerism for CIT-related calls, showing compassion towards people with mental illness and ongoing engagement with the broader CIT network.
The team includes:
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- Sergeant Michael Skidmore
- Supervisor Therapist Lewis Nordan
- Police Officer III Kelly Cox
- Police Officer III Mirko Fernandez Valdes
- Police Officer III Matthew Johnson
- Police Officer III Ashley Petersen
- Police Officer III Ignatious Zakrjewski
- Therapist Mary Brough
This team responds to calls involving individuals in crisis, including situations related to suicide, violence and enforcement of Maryland’s red flag laws. In partnership with the Montgomery County Crisis Center and the Department of Health and Human Services, the officers work to ensure people in crisis get connected with appropriate resources and community-based support.
In addition to fieldwork, the team members conduct four CIT trainings each year, helping to educate and prepare law enforcement officers, clinicians and other community partners.
The announcement was made ahead of CIT International’s annual conference in Anaheim, Calif. on Aug. 11 through Aug. 13.
