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Training
The Houston Police Department’s Mental Health Division is built on a cornerstone of excellence: Crisis Intervention Training. These on-site courses not only meet TCOLE certification requirements but also provide an essential toolkit for law enforcement professionals to handle mental health crises with confidence and skill. Through a balanced approach of classroom learning and hands-on scenario-based exercises, participants gain practical strategies for effective crisis response and de-escalation.
Led by TCOLE-certified instructors who are also experienced Mental Health Officers, this training draws from years of real-world expertise. Our instructors have taught across Texas and the nation, ensuring a level of quality and credibility that sets these courses apart. Open to both classified and civilian employees, this training is an investment in professional growth and safer community interactions.
Sergeant Rebecca Skillern, LPC-S
Prior to becoming a police officer, Sergeant Rebecca Skillern began her career in the mental health field and earned her License as a Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S). In 2008, after years of patrolling northeast Houston, she joined what is now the Houston Police Department’s Mental Health Division. With over 22 years of experience in mental health and law enforcement, she has been an integral part of the Crisis Intervention Response Team (CIRT), Mental Health Division Investigations, and CIT Instruction. Sergeant Skillern currently supervises the Mental Health Division’s Training Unit, where she continues to make a significant impact.
Officer Travis Cogbill
Officer Travis Cogbill joined the Houston Police Department in 2013 and holds a master’s degree in Mental Health and Wellness Counseling. After starting on patrol, he joined the Crisis Intervention Response Team (CIRT), specializing in mental health crisis response. He later transitioned to the Mental Health Division’s Training Unit, a full-time role where he develops curriculum and teaches mental health and de-escalation skills to Houston police officers, community members, and agencies nationwide. Travis is a certified Mental Health Officer, Crisis/Hostage Negotiator, and has served as the Regional Director for the Texas CIT Association. He is also pursuing licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
Officer Ernest Slaughter
Officer Ernest Slaughter has a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice, and a Master’s in the Administration of Justice. While on patrol in the Montrose area, he became attuned to the issues surrounding his community. As a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) he was exposed to the effects of substance abuse and it’s effects on both the individual and the community. As a Sexual Assault / Family Violence (SAFVIC) Detective, he gained insight on adverse childhood experiences. As an instructor, he hopes to build upon these experiences while helping to bring mental health awareness and de-escalation to the forefront of training at the Houston Police Department.
Class
Offerings
Class Location
Houston Police Academy
Address
17000 Aldine Westfield Road, Houston, TX 77002
Free parking is available onsite.
Class Hours
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Monday- Friday)
Crisis Intervention Training
TCOLE 1850
With increasing frequency, law enforcement is being called upon to respond to individuals in serious mental health crises. It is necessary for law enforcement personnel to understand mental illness, and the tactics and techniques that have been proven to work most effectively when responding to individuals in these situations. These tactics and techniques are different than those routinely taught to officers to manage conflict. Generally, the underlying elements behind mental illness-related behavior is usually not criminal or malicious. Utilizing the information from this course, and implementing effective strategies can help keep the officer safe, keep the public safe, and greatly reduce civil liability.
Mandated with the passage of the Sandra Bland Act (SB 1849) by the Texas Legislature in 2017, TCOLE 1850 replaced the 16-hour CIT class and is required training for officers licensed after 4/1/18 (within 2 years). This class is also required for officers who wish to obtain either an Intermediate or Advanced certificate.
Price:
$295
Upcoming Classes
- Jan 27 – 31, 2025
- June 9 – 13, 2025
- Aug 25 – 29, 2025
Monday-Friday | 40 hours
Sign UpCrisis Intervention Refresher
TCOLE 3843
This Crisis Intervention Refresher training provides a review of the key concepts, safety techniques, and communication skills initially taught in crisis intervention training portion of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Basic Peace Officer Curriculum. This course will also allow time for discussion, questions, and concerns of technique utilization that participants have experienced since their initial basic training. Brainstorming with fellow attendees will assist in the discussion of “best practices” and the sharing of personal situational experiences.
This class is required for TCOLE Intermediate/Advanced Peace Officer Certifications.
Price:
$95
Upcoming Classes
- Feb 13, 2025
- June 17, 2025
- August 1, 2025
1 day | 8 hours
Sign UpTrauma Affected Veterans
TCOLE 4067
This course aims to provide a framework for Law Enforcement Officers to have a basic understanding about US Military culture, traumas, triggers and stressors, and de-escalation techniques when encountering Veterans in crisis. The course is structured around 16 hours of lecture, videos, and class dialogue and 8 hours of role playing, hands-on practice to build student confidence when encountering a US Veteran in crisis. The Trauma Affected Veteran course builds upon the techniques taught in Crisis Intervention Training (TCOLE 1850) and meets guidelines set by House Bill 1338.
This class is co-instructed by the Military Veteran Peer Network (MVPN)
Price:
$125
Upcoming Classes
- TBA
3 days | 24 hours
Sign UpMental Health Officer Training
TCOLE 4201
The Mental Health Officer course provides advanced training for law enforcement officers, focusing on crisis intervention, de-escalation, and effectively utilizing community resources. Building on foundational courses like Crisis Intervention Training (TCOLE #1850), this program equips participants with practical skills and advanced techniques to support individuals in crisis, navigate available resources, and improve outcomes for both officers and the communities they serve.
This class is required to obtain the Mental Health Officer Certification. However, it does not fulfill all requirements for teaching TCOLE Course #1850. Additionally, holding the certification does not automatically designate an officer as a Mental Health Officer, which is a specific role within police agencies.
Prerequisites
To enroll in this course, participants must have completed:
TCOLE Course #1849 (De-escalation Training)
One of the following:
TCOLE Course #1850 (Crisis Intervention Training), or
TCOLE Course #4900 (Mental Health for Jailers)
Note: Peace officers who completed the Basic Peace Officer Course after 2019 already meet these prerequisites, as the curriculum includes both TCOLE #1849 and #1850.
Ensure all prerequisites are met before registering to maximize the benefits of this advanced training.
Price:
$350
THIS CLASS IS STILL IN DEVELOPMENT
Monday-Friday | 40 hours
Sign UpSign Up
Payment for the training is due on the first day of class.
At this time, we only accept checks or money orders. Checks should be made out to Mental Health America of Greater Houston. In the memo space, please notate HPD-CIT.
Receipts will be provided on site.