Since 1976, the MCES Crisis Intervention Specialist (CIS) Program has taught police officers and other emergency responders how to safely and effectively help individuals experiencing a serious crisis associated with severe mental illness.

Hundreds of police officers attend the three-day Basic CIS Program every year. Many also take advanced trainings. Presently, one-hundred percent of the officers in thirteen departments in Montgomery County have completed CIS training. They are East Norriton, Franconia, Hatboro, Limerick, Lower Providence, Marlborough, Narberth, Norristown, Towamencin, Upper Dublin, Upper Merion, Upper Perkiomen, and Upper Providence.

MCES and the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), which funds the CIS Program, are noting this achievement. Recognition recently started with the Towamencin Police Department where Michelle Monzo of MCES and Anna Trout, Director of Crisis and Diversion at DHHS, presented Chief Tim Troxel and his staff with a plaque commemorating this accomplishment and their support of the CIS Program.