The Maui Police Department recently celebrated its newest class after 23 class members completed the department’s Crisis Intervention Team training. Photo courtesy Maui Police Department

On Friday, the Maui Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Team welcomed the addition of 23 new members to its list of trained personnel.

The class was made up of officers and civilians from the Maui Police Department, A Honu Space, Department of the Corporation Counsel, local resorts and businesses, and many other agencies.

The class members completed 40 hours of training throughout the week focusing on how to interact with people suffering from a mental illness or experiencing an emotional crisis.

The training focused on de-escalating situations before they become dangerous or violent, while also trying to ensure the individuals receive the care they need.

This was the 19th class to complete the program since it first launched in 2013.

The CIT training is part of the Maui Police Department’s Critical Outreach and Response through Education, or CORE, unit that works with community agencies on issues that include houseless individuals and those potentially suffering from mental illness.

The program is said to be the first of its kind in the state, and the program now consists of 303 individuals ranging in personnel from MPD, A Honu Space, Adult Mental Health, Aloha House, Department of the Corporation Counsel, Department of Education, Family Life Center, Grand Wailea Resort & Spa, Hawaii Department of Health and the Hawaii State Judiciary.

Other agencies include KHAKO, Malama Family Recovery Center, Maui Aids Foundation, Maui Aloha Foundation, Maui Community Correctional Center, Maui Community Mental Health Center, Maui Fire Department, Maui Humane Society, Maui Memorial Medical Center, MEO, National Park Service, Paia Youth and Cultural Center, and more.