The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)is a specialized unit formed within the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office and funded under federal grants that assists in helping individuals suffering from mental illness. The objective of this team is to work within the mental health provider network by assisting mental health consumers in crisis in reaching the appropriate care by diverting these individuals away from incarceration or emergency rooms when possible.
The 15-member CIT utilizes specialized training and protocols to assist in these goals and is also involved in training other first responders within the county in the recognition of mental illness. CIT is under the Emergency Operations command of the Sheriff’s Office’s Chief Deputy.
CIT works closely with local health care providers such as the Fort Bend County Behavioral Health Services Department and the Texana Center. When a CIT deputy responds to a call, a Texana representative also responds.