The Crisis Intervention and De-escalation course is designed to ensure that police officers will be able to use crisis intervention and de-escalation (CID) techniques to effectively de-escalate persons in crisis, including those experiencing a mental health crisis. Using a four-phase CID model, this course will teach you strategies and techniques to compassionately accomplish this goal.
The content for this course was developed by the BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Policing and Security Branch in consultation with the Braidwood Recommendation Implementation Committee and a working group of police and non-police subject matter experts.
This course was reviewed and updated in 2025 to ensure alignment with current terminology.
Successful completion of this course is mandatory for all frontline police officers in the province of British Columbia.
Classroom Component for BC Officers:
The face-to-face component of the BC CID course will take approximately 7 hours to complete based on a class size of less than 20. Larger classes may require more time to complete the scenarios.
- Describe the Braidwood Report and the BC Provincial Policing Standards
- Explain the importance of CID techniques
- Explain the BC Provincial Policing Standards for Crisis Intervention and De-escalation Training
- Define key terms
- Explain assessing and responding to risk in conflict and crisis situations
- Describe the relationship between conflict and crisis
- Identify Persons in Crisis (PICs)
- Define and describe wellness checks
- Explain constructive and destructive approaches to crisis intervention and de-escalation
- Explain the importance of understanding mental disorders
- Explain stigma and mental disorders
- Define mental health and mental disorders
- Describe major mental disorders and observed behaviours
- Explain the differences between dementia and delirium
- Explain neurodivergence and observed behaviours
- Explain the importance of documenting medications during a mental health risk assessment
- Explain the purpose of the BC Mental Health Act
- Define key terms and mental health related forms
- Explain the authorities according to sections of the MHA pertinent to police
- Explain police officer roles and responsibilities in crisis situations
- Explain police policy, procedures, and documentation
- Explain medical considerations
- Explain the importance of communication between the apprehending officer and hospital staff
- Explain the CID model
- Apply CID techniques
- Apply the CID model
- Identify additional requirements for CID training
Target Audience
Price
$35
Length
3.5 hours
Content Provider
Led by the BC Ministry of Justice (now BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General), Police Services Division (now Policing and Security Branch), the content for this course was provided by a working group of police and non-police subject matter experts. Special thanks are extended to the RCMP Pacific Region Training Centre for providing access to their Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) materials, subject matter experts and audio-visual resources.
Language
English