Mission Statement: The Metro Boston Crisis Intervention Team Training and Technical Assistance Center utilizes an integrated public health and public safety lens to inform response to individuals impacted by behavioral health, support officer wellness, develop policy and procedure and improve communication across behavioral health and criminal justice partners.
Through training, guidance on CIT implementation and adaptation of Police records management systems we aim to increase utilization of behavioral health resources, increase data collection and establish best practice interventions.
Our training and models are developed with a multidisciplinary approach informed by collaborations between: law enforcement, mental health professionals, stakeholders, families and individuals impacted by behavioral health. Together we will: increase safety for officers and citizens; inform response to direct and facilitate connection toward services with a goal of increasing quality of life and diversion from the criminal justice system when appropriate.
new training: Beyond Their service
On Thursday, June 25, Metro Boston CIT-TTAC proudly hosted Beyond Their Service: Understanding Military Culture, BATTLEMIND, and Veteran Response, a specialized training presented by Eagle Eye Consulting & Training. Marking the inaugural delivery of their new four-hour workshop, this comprehensive program expands upon traditional military awareness training by exploring the foundations of military culture, the acculturation and training process, and the lasting impact these experiences can have on Service Members, Veterans, and their Families. Participants gained valuable insight into the military mindset through an in-depth examination of the BattleMind framework, while learning practical, evidence-informed strategies to enhance communication, build trust, and respond more effectively to the unique needs of the military community.
First Responder Autism Training
On Friday, April 17, 2026, the Metro Boston CIT TTAC hosted an 8-hour First Responder Autism Training, bringing together public safety professionals to strengthen their knowledge and skills for responding to individuals on the autism spectrum. In partnership with The Autism Project and with generous funding from the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, participants received specialized instruction from experts in the field on autism awareness, communication strategies, sensory considerations, and de-escalation techniques. The training focused on evidence-based, person-centered approaches that help first responders safely and effectively interact with individuals with autism during calls for service. We extend our sincere thanks to the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism for making this important training possible.
our largest training yet: Sparc
On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, the Metro Boston CIT TTAC hosted an 8-hour training in partnership with the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center (SPARC). SPARC is a federally funded initiative dedicated to improving the response to stalking through education, training, and resources for professionals working to protect victims and hold offenders accountable. Throughout the day, participants gained a deeper understanding of stalking behaviors, risk assessment, victim safety planning, and best practices for multidisciplinary responses. The training emphasized the importance of collaboration between law enforcement, behavioral health professionals, victim advocates, and other community partners to better identify, investigate, and respond to stalking cases. This was the Metro Boston CIT TTAC's largest training to date, with participants representing 24 agencies and departments across law enforcement, mental health, and related fields. We are grateful to everyone who attended and look forward to continuing to offer this valuable training in the years ahead.
cohr at national night out
On August 5, 2025, The COHR team was proud to participate in National Night Out, joining SPD and community members for an evening focused on building connection, safety, and trust. Our theme, Gratitude, highlighted the positive impact that practicing gratitude can have on mental and emotional well-being by fostering resilience, strengthening relationships, and promoting a more positive outlook. Throughout the event, we connected with residents, shared information about the services and support COHR provides in the Somerville community, and built relationships with community partners. We are grateful for the opportunity to engage with our neighbors and continue working together to support a healthier, stronger Somerville!
MB CIT TTAC is funded through support of the Department of Mental Health
The Metro Boston CIT TTAC trainings include: CIT, CIT Recertification, Advanced De-Escalation and Documentation, Blue Courage, Whole Health Resilience, Mind, Body & Spirit, CIT for Dispatch in addition to specialized topics related to behavioral health. Consultation is available to assist departments in implementing CIT; data collection and community collaborations.
Communities Served: Acton, Andover, Arlington, Babson College, Bedford, Belmont, Bentley University, Berklee College of Music, Bentley University, Beverly, Billerica, Boston, Boxborough, Boxford, Brandeis University, Brookline, Burlington, Bunker Hill Community College, Cambridge, Cambridge Health Alliance, Chelmsford, Chelsea, Clinton, College of Holy Cross, Concord, Danvers, Dracut, East Longmeadow, Endicott College, Essex, Everett, Fall River, Federal Reserve, Fort Devens, Georgetown, Gloucester, Groveland, Hanscom Air Force Base (66th Security Forces Squadron), Harvard University, Hamilton, Haverhill, Hingham, Ipswich, Lawrence, Lexington, Littleton, Lowell, Lynn, Lynnfield, Malden, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Manchester (VA), Marblehead, Massachusetts State Police, Maynard, MBTA, Medford, Melrose, Merrimac, Middleton, Mount Wachusett Community College, National Park Services, New England Center and Home for Veterans, Newbury, North Reading, Peabody, Reading, Revere, Rockport, Rowley, Salem, Sherborn, Somerville, South Hadley, Stoneham, Swampscott, Tewksbury, Topsfield, Tufts University, Tyngsborough, University of Massachusetts Boston, Wakefield, Waltham, Watertown, Weston, Westford, Wilmington, Winchester, Winthrop, and Woburn
If you don’t see your community listed, but would like to learn more about CIT training and implementation please contact Jennifer Korn at jkorn@police.somerville.ma.us.
This project is supported through funding from the Department of Mental Health (DMH)
