Cranston Police Department Becomes First in Rhode Island to Earn Gold Level CIT Certification

CRANSTON, RI (August 3, 2026) – The Cranston Police Department has become the first law enforcement agency in Rhode Island to earn Gold Level Certification from CIT International, a national organization that recognizes excellence in Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) programs. The certification reflects the department’s commitment to implementing nationally recognized best practices in responding to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises.

The Cranston Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Team Program was established in 2023 after the department received a federal grant through the U.S. Department of Justice, with the support of U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. Since its inception, the program has become an integral component of the department’s response to behavioral health emergencies.

The program consists of 18 specially trained police officers who work in close partnership with mental health clinicians from Brown Mental Health (formerly Gateway Mental Health) and the Cranston Comprehensive Community Action Program (CCAP). This collaborative, co-response model connects individuals in crisis with appropriate mental health services while enhancing public safety and reducing unnecessary involvement with the criminal justice system.

On average, the Cranston Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Team responds to approximately 1,600 behavioral health-related calls each year, with the number of calls steadily increasing over the past several years. The program has become a critical resource for individuals and families experiencing mental health, substance use, and other behavioral health crises.

“This Gold Level Certification is a tremendous honor and reflects our department’s unwavering commitment to serving individuals experiencing behavioral health crises with professionalism, compassion, and dignity,” said Colonel Michael J. Winquist, Chief of Police. “Becoming the first police department in Rhode Island to achieve this distinction demonstrates the dedication of our Crisis Intervention Team officers and the strength of our partnerships with Brown Mental Health, CCAP, and our many community stakeholders. Every day, these partnerships help connect people in crisis with the care and resources they need while improving outcomes for our community. We remain committed to strengthening this program and continuing to provide the highest level of service to those who need it most.”

As part of its certification assessment, CIT International recognized several strengths of the Cranston Police Department’s program, including:

• A comprehensive crisis response system that includes co-response teams, non-law enforcement responses when appropriate, and post-crisis follow-up services.
• Highly trained Crisis Intervention Team officers who also provide crisis intervention training to fellow first responders, partner agencies, and members of the community.
• Comprehensive departmental policies governing responses to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises and the deployment of CIT officers.

The Crisis Intervention Team model, based on the nationally recognized Memphis Model, promotes collaboration among law enforcement, behavioral health professionals, individuals with lived experience, and family members to improve community responses to behavioral health emergencies. Gold Level Certification is awarded to programs that demonstrate outstanding adherence to nationally recognized CIT best practices.