CIT & CRIT: Enhancing Your CIT Program with Crisis Response and Intervention Training

Sabrina Fernandez is a Program Manager at the IACP, overseeing training and technical assistance (TTA) initiatives for police, prosecutors, and multidisciplinary teams across the U.S. For over 18 years, she has enhanced police response to public safety and collaborated directly with the field to build programming and resources. Sabrina has addressed operational challenges facing police, developing resources to assist in investigating and prosecuting criminal activity, preventing and responding to victimization, and increasing community safety. Prior to the IACP, she worked at the University of Tennessee Law Enforcement Innovation Center, Tennessee Regional Community Policing Institute, University of Tennessee's Social Work Office of Research and Public Service, and the Baltimore Office of Homeless Services. She began her career as a social worker and social policy advocate. Sabrina’s 18-year policing TTA portfolio includes crisis response, police response to individuals with behavioral health conditions, deflection, violent crime, human trafficking, juvenile justice, internet crimes against children, school safety, crime analysis, patrol and tactical operations, crime prevention, and crime-scene investigation. Sabrina holds a Master of Public Policy and a Certificate in Health Policy from The Johns Hopkins University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, English, and French with a Minor in Global Studies from Drury University. She can be reached at fernandez@theiacp.org. 

Erica Harris, MS, ADAC has over 18 years working professionally with and on behalf of underserved and marginalized communities on public health subjects. Currently, she works with the University of Cincinnati Center for Developmental Disabilities to train and educate law enforcement professionals on topics related specifically to disability inclusion and interacting with individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. Erica is a long-time consultant to The Arc’s National Center on Criminal Justice and Disability (NCCJD) and has extensive experience in developing training curricula, providing training to police, professionals, self-advocates, and family members to assist them in identifying effective and safe for interactions involving law enforcement and the criminal justice system. Erica works with individuals who share their lived experiences and other subject matter experts as co-facilitators to ensure the effectiveness of her training sessions. Her regional and national efforts focus on training members of law enforcement on topics that include Accommodations, Communication, Behavior, Triggers, Crisis Prevention and De-escalation.

Lt. Craig Parker is a seasoned law enforcement professional with 15 years of experience at the Tuscaloosa Police Department in Alabama. Throughout his career, he has held various leadership roles, including Field Training Officer, Patrol Sergeant, and Shift Commander. His dedication to addressing behavioral health crises led him to become a Mental Health Officer in 2019 and establish the TPD Behavioral Health Unit in 2020, which later expanded into the Behavioral Intervention Team. This initiative has grown significantly, incorporating numerous officers and specialists focused on crisis intervention and threat assessment. As one of only two CIT master trainers in Alabama, Lt. Parker has trained hundreds of officers across the state in de-escalation techniques for individuals in behavioral crises. His leadership has earned him several accolades, including TPD’s Supervisory Leadership Award (2020) and CIT Officer of the Year (2021) from NAMI-Alabama. His Behavioral Intervention Team was also recognized as Program of the Year in 2024. Beyond his work with behavioral health, Lt. Parker serves as an FBI Threat Management Coordinator and Liaison to the Joint Terrorism Task Force. He is a certified instructor with expertise in mental health crisis intervention, trauma effects on youth, and threat management strategies. His expertise has led him to present at prestigious conferences, including events hosted by the IACP, FBI, and PBSO. In addition to his primary responsibilities, he is a member of the TPD Honor Guard and a Crisis Negotiator attached to TPD SWAT. Recently, he founded Creed Protective Solutions, LLC, to provide specialized security training and site assessments for schools, houses of worship, private businesses, and other organizations beyond Tuscaloosa.

Michele Saunders, LCSW, has dedicated over 35 years to community mental health. Recently retired from the Department of Veteran Affairs, she provided crucial support to veterans and their families. As a founding member and longtime 1st Vice President of CIT International, she played a key role in shaping its strategic direction and advancing CIT nationwide. Even in retirement, she remains actively involved, supporting CIT International’s annual conference and offering technical assistance. Michele led the Florida CIT Coalition for 20 years, helping law enforcement and corrections enhance crisis intervention strategies. She has consulted on initiatives promoting collaboration among criminal justice, mental health, and substance abuse professionals, focusing on jail diversion and improved services for people with serious mental illnesses. With over 24 years dedicated to CIT development, she also works as a consultant with Policy Research Associates, supporting SIM Mapping and CIT program growth. She also worked with the SAMHSA GAINS Service Member, Veterans, and their Families TA Center, providing strategic planning facilitation focused on suicide prevention, a testament to her credibility and authority in the field. Her leadership extends beyond CIT—she has held key roles in government and nonprofit organizations, including Director of Community Services for Seminole County, Executive Director of Florida Partners in Crisis, and Executive Vice President at Lakeside Behavioral Healthcare (now Aspire Health Partners). Her academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Social Work degree from James Madison University and a Master of Social Work degree from Florida State University. She has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1986.