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    Conferences & Training

    Statewide Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Conference

    Join crisis response professionals, behavioral health leaders, law enforcement, first responders, advocates, and community partners from across Pennsylvania for the 2026 Statewide Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Conference!

    Learn How PCCD Supports State CIT Programs
    View Images From The 2025 Conference

    Registration is now open!

    2026 Statewide Crisis Intervention Team Conference

    The 2026 Statewide Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Conference features two days of keynote presentations, breakout sessions, and collaborative learning opportunities centered on the theme, "From Wellness to Response: Creating Stronger Crisis Systems."

     

    This year's keynote speakers include Kate and Ryan Hooven, Kevin Berthia and Kevin Briggs, Jason Adams, and Ernest Stevens, who will share powerful perspectives on autism awareness, crisis communication, suicide prevention, responder wellness, and building resilient organizations.

     

    Breakout sessions will explore:

    • Crisis walk-in center transformation
    • Officer wellness and resilience
    • Rural CIT innovations
    • Mental health high-utilizer response
    • CIT data collection and program evaluation
    • CIT certification and best practices
    • Co-responder and embedded social worker models
    • Specialized CIT programs, including Youth CIT, Advanced CIT, and Veteran Response Teams

    Attendees will also have opportunities to network with professionals from across Pennsylvania, recognize excellence through the annual CIT Awards, and gain practical strategies to strengthen crisis response systems in their communities.

     

    Know someone making a difference? Nominations for the 2026 CIT Awards are now open through September 11, 2026 for:

    The CIT Pin of the Year Award also returns, with conference attendees voting for their favorite design during the event. Don't forget to bring your agency's pin to participate!

    View the Agenda Here

    Event Details

    When: October 26-27, 2026

    Where: Hershey Lodge
    Hershey, Pennsylvania

    Register Today!

    Hotel Accommodations

    For overnight accommodations, please click here. 

    Group ID: 390

    General Attendee Passcode: CRIME2026

      *   You may see a message of no availability - please search your specific dates of stay to see room availability.

      *   Group numbers and passcodes are space- and case-sensitive!

    You may also call 855-729-3108 and ask for the room block for Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency.

    The deadline for the discounted room rate of $169.00 is Thursday, September 10, 2026.  

     

    Questions?

    Contact Us

    We hope to see you at the 2026 Statewide CIT Conference. If you have questions, please contact us.

    Email Us

    2025 CIT Conference: CIT and Beyond

    The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), in partnership with the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS), and Centre County CIT, held the 2025 Statewide CIT Conference: “CIT and Beyond” on October 28-29, 2025 in State College. 

    This year’s conference expanded to a two-day format, offering even more opportunities to learn, connect, and grow. The 2025 program showcased a dynamic mix of national and local experts exploring emerging trends, proven practices, and innovative approaches in CIT, crisis response, and Pennsylvania’s behavioral health system. Sessions highlighted fresh strategies and collaborative solutions designed to strengthen crisis response and support safer, healthier communities across the Commonwealth!

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    CIT Behavioral Health Practitioner of the Year

    Darryl Andreas, M.S.

    Center for Community Resources, Lycoming County

    Darryl Andreas works as a mental health co-responder embedded with the Lycoming Regional Police Department. He responds alongside officers to support individuals in crisis, connects families with critical resources, and ensures ongoing follow-up and support. Beyond his daily work, Darryl supports the CIT program through outreach, training, recruitment, and community engagement, helping to bridge law enforcement and behavioral health services.

    CIT Team Coordinator of the Year

    Erin O’Donnell

    Philadelphia Police Department, Philadelphia County

    Erin O’Donnell has served as the Philadelphia Police Department’s Wellness Manager and CIT Coordinator since 2024, after previously coordinating CIT through the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disabilities since 2019. O’Donnell has trained about 2,000 officers and 700 dispatchers in CIT and received the Commissioner’s Appreciation Award in 2025 for her contributions. 

    CIT Police Officer of the Year

    Patrolman Andrew Gadaleta III

    Douglass Township Police Department, Berks County 

    Officer Gadaleta is a graduate of Berks County’s first CIT training, and he has become a trusted mentor and leader within the program, modeling effective de-escalation practices. In one instance, he intervened during a crisis involving a person at risk of self-harm and ensured a safe outcome, reflecting the life-saving impact of CIT in police practice daily.

    CIT Police Officer of the Year

    Patrolman Michael Weleski

    Cranberry Township Police Department, Butler County 

    Officer Weleski serves as a CIT Coordinator, trainer, and mentor, and has supported the expansion of CIT across Butler and neighboring counties. From developing a behavioral health database to launching officer wellness initiatives, Officer Weleski’s work has improved police responses and strengthened community trust in Western Pennsylvania.

    PEOPLE'S CHOICE

    Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Pin

    A Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) pin is a badge of distinction worn by law enforcement officers or first responders who have successfully completed CIT training. It signifies their specialized skills in de-escalating situations involving mental health crises, substance use issues, or behavioral health emergencies. The pin represents a commitment to empathy, safety, and collaboration with mental health professionals and community resources.

    This year, attendees selected their favorite CIT Pin to receive the People's Choice Award! Congratulations, Dauphin County! 

    • In “Heart of the Badge: Building Resilience Through Wellness in Policing”, Chad Bruckner, an active duty police officer, motivational speaker, author, and coach, examined the critical intersections of officer wellness and effective policing.
    • Ernie Stevens, featured in the Emmy Award-winning documentary Ernie and Joe: Crisis Cops, explored the critical role of CIT training and policy development in “CIT and Community Collaboration”.
    • A keynote from CIT International’s Marianne Halbert “Understanding CIT Best Practices for Your Program” focused on community partnerships, improving crisis response systems to provide the most appropriate, least intrusive response, and creating an identity for your CIT program.
    • Teresa McCloskey, a mother with lived experience, and Dr. Megan Davidson from the Council of State Governments Justice Center presented “Mason’s Mom: A Parent’s Journey Navigating Brain Injury”.

    In addition to these engaging plenary sessions, the 2025 Statewide CIT Conference featured 16 breakout sessions covering topics such as:

    • Advanced, rural, and youth CIT programs
    • Co-responders and police social workers
    • Stepping Up
    • Veterans response teams
    • Brain injury and crisis response
    • Officer wellness and resilience
    • Innovative behavioral health diversionary strategies
    • And more