LA PLATA, Md. — The Charles County Sheriff’s Office celebrated the completion of Southern Maryland Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training by two classes of officers in March and May 2025. The 40-hour program equipped 12 sworn and correctional officers with skills to manage behavioral health emergencies, focusing on de-escalation techniques and crisis identification to ensure safety for responders and individuals in distress.
The May 2025 class included PFC K. Newman, PFC J. Bonaccorsy, PFC M. Pagano, POII D. Frison, POII R. Perry, CPL R. Donnelly, and CFC C. Watley. The March 2025 class comprised CPL G. Cook, CFC E. Kerth, CFC J. Lima, CFC G. Bautista-Garrido, and CFC J. Thompson. “Thank you to the class instructors and employees for their dedication and commitment to enhancing service to our communities,” the Sheriff’s Office stated, recognizing the effort behind the training.
The CIT program enhances officers’ abilities to respond to mental health crises, a growing need in community policing. By mastering de-escalation strategies, participants learn to defuse volatile situations, reducing the risk of harm. The training also emphasizes identifying signs of behavioral health issues, enabling officers to connect individuals with appropriate resources. This comprehensive approach fosters safer interactions and strengthens community trust in law enforcement.
The Sheriff’s Office highlighted the importance of the program in preparing officers for real-world challenges. The 40-hour curriculum, delivered by dedicated instructors, combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Officers practice techniques to calmly address individuals in distress, ensuring responses are both effective and compassionate. The training is part of a broader effort in Southern Maryland to integrate behavioral health awareness into public safety practices.
The May graduates represent a mix of roles, from private first class to corporal, reflecting the program’s reach across ranks. The March class, similarly diverse, included correctional officers who work in high-stress environments where crisis intervention skills are critical. Their completion of the CIT training underscores the Sheriff’s Office’s commitment to equipping all personnel with tools to serve effectively.
Charles County, with its growing population, faces increasing demands for responsive policing. Behavioral health emergencies, ranging from mental health crises to substance abuse incidents, require specialized approaches. The CIT training ensures officers are prepared to handle these situations with professionalism and empathy. By investing in such programs, the Sheriff’s Office aims to reduce adverse outcomes and promote positive resolutions.
The instructors’ dedication was a key factor in the program’s success. Their expertise guided officers through complex scenarios, reinforcing the importance of patience and clear communication. The Sheriff’s Office’s acknowledgment of their efforts highlights the collaborative nature of the training, which relies on both instructors and participants to achieve its goals.
These graduations mark a step forward in enhancing community safety in Charles County. The newly trained officers join a growing cohort of CIT-certified personnel, ready to apply their skills in the field. Their work will contribute to a safer, more understanding approach to crisis intervention, benefiting residents and responders alike.
