San Francisco Police Department Holds 10th Annual Crisis Intervention Team Awards #26-061

The Number of Award Recipients Demonstrates SFPD officers’ commitment to Compassion, Respect, and Dedication to Service

On Wednesday, May 27, 2026, the San Francisco Police Department held the Annual Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Awards Ceremony to honor 75 officers, first responders, and public servants who exemplify best practices and outstanding use of CIT principles and methodologies for de-escalation and life preservation. The ceremony highlighted the incidents in 2025.

Since 2011, the CIT Working Group, which is a collaboration of criminal justice professionals, mental health service providers, community advocates, and local leaders, has revolutionized how SFPD responds to mental health crises. The core mission of these calls for service is to protect life, preserve dignity, and safeguard liberty, turning moments of crisis into opportunities for stabilization and connection to care. Over the years, the SFPD CIT Program has:

• Ensured over 70% of SFPD officers complete 40 hours of specialized de-escalation training and critical skills to respond safely and effectively to individuals in crisis.
• Extended training and certification to partner agencies across San Francisco to ensure cohesive, informed, and comprehensive approach to responses.
• Gained recognition beyond California for best practices.

Incident 1

Officers supported the efforts of the Street Crisis Response Team (SCRT) by creating a safe and supportive environment and gathering information that helps with SCRT work. Officers and SCRT members successfully resolved a high-risk suicidal crisis without using force, ensuring the man’s safety and access to appropriate care.

Incident 2

Through compassion and patience, officers were able to resolve an incident involving a barricaded suicidal male at the San Francisco International Airport without further incident.

Incident 3

Officers were able to rescue a distressed woman experiencing hypothermia and a crisis who had jumped into the San Francisco Bay, preventing a tragic outcome while ensuring the woman received medical treatment.

Incident 4

Despite an extremely dangerous situation with the presence of explosives and firearms, officers of the Tactical Unit spent more than eight hours calmly engaging with a suspect as safely as possible, resolving the situation without further incident or injury.

Incident 5

By maintaining rapport and demonstrating understanding, SFPD negotiators were able to reduce the San Francisco State University student’s emotional distress and ultimately agreed to move away from the ledge and surrender peacefully.

Incident 6

Officers’ ability to recognize the subject’s developmental needs, accurately assess risk, and sustain empathetic communication resulted in the safe resolution of a suicidal crisis without force while ensuring the subject received appropriate and compassionate care.