May 12, 2025 - Berks County, PA
The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) joined local leaders, law enforcement, and behavioral health professionals in Berks County to announce a new statewide Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Technical Assistance Center initiative and highlight Berks County's work to enhance responses for individuals in crisis and community safety. CIT helps law enforcement and first responders safely respond to a wide range of emergency situations, providing them with more resources to de-escalate situations, prioritize safety, and ensure Pennsylvanians have access to the care they need. CIT is a collaborative model that brings together local law enforcement personnel, first responders, correctional facility staff, probation and parole officers, mental health professionals, and community advocates. Together, they work to ensure a coordinated response to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. "Crisis intervention programs and trainings have made a critical difference for individuals experiencing crisis, including here in Berks County. This new initiative marks a major step forward in how we support communities across Pennsylvania responding to individuals when they need it most," said Jackie Weaknecht, Director of PCCD's Office of Justice Programs. "The CIT Technical Assistance Center will not only help counties build and strengthen their CIT programs, but it will also ensure that they're grounded in best practices, connected with others doing the work, and equipped with the tools needed to create real, lasting change. It's about building a smarter, more compassionate response system."Speakers Include:John Adams, Berks County District AttorneyJackie Weaknecht, PCCD Office of Justice Programs DirectorPam Seaman, Berks County Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities Program AdministratorKristy Belschwinder, Forensic Diversion Program Manager, Connections WorkChief Anthony Kuklinski, Hamburg Police Dept.
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