Officers Complete Crisis Intervention Team Training
Back row from left: Correctional Officer 1st Class John Edelen, Deputy 1st Class Anthony Cucinotta, Deputy 1st Class Alexander Tasciotti, Deputy Joseph Senatore, Deputy Phillip Davis, and Capt. Stephen Simonds. Front row from left, Correctional Officer 1st Class John Edelen, Capt. Sarah Smith, Deputy Devin Absher, Alexis Higdon, and Sgt. Anthony Whipkey.
Six members of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office completed crisis intervention team training. Graduates included Correctional Officer 1st Class John Edelen, Correctional Officer Branden Mills, Deputy Joseph Senatore, Capt. Stephen Simonds, Deputy Phillip Davis, and Deputy 1st Class Alexander Tasciotti.
The training was held during the week of October 27-31 at the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point.
CIT programs are nationally recognized for equipping law enforcement officers with the skills to safely and effectively respond to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. Beyond officer training, successful CIT programs enhance crisis response systems, advocate for essential services, and foster partnerships among law enforcement, mental health providers, and the community.
Throughout the training, participants learned about mental health law, emergency petition procedures, verbal de-escalation, traumatic brain injury, and developmental disabilities. They also heard firsthand accounts from individuals and families affected by mental health and substance use challenges. Officers practiced de-escalation techniques through role-play scenarios designed to help determine the most appropriate response for each situation.
The CIT program is a community partnership among law enforcement, mental health and addiction professionals, individuals living with behavioral health challenges, their families, and other local partners, all working to improve community responses to mental health crises.
In Southern Maryland, the program is a collaboration among the sheriff’s offices and health departments of St. Mary’s, Charles, and Calvert counties, the Maryland State Police, and other allied agencies. Capt. Sarah Smith serves as the CIT commander, Alexis Higdon is the CIT coordinator, and Sgt. Anthony Whipkey is the law enforcement CIT coordinator for the St. Mary’s Sheriff’s Office.
Through their participation in this program, the graduates are better prepared to respond with empathy, professionalism, and skill, further strengthening the sheriff’s office’s commitment to public safety and compassionate crisis intervention.
