San Francisco Police Department Holds Annual Crisis Intervention Team Awards 25-068

On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the San Francisco Police Department held the Annual Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Awards Ceremony to honor officers, first responders, and public servants who exemplify best practices and outstanding use of CIT principles and methodologies for de-escalation and life preservation. The ceremony highlighted five incidents in 2024.

Since 2011, the CIT Working Group, which is a collaboration of criminal justice professionals, mental health service providers, community advocates, and local leaders, has revolutionized how SFPD responds to mental health crises. The SFPD CIT Program has:

• Ensured over 70% of SFPD officers complete 40 hours of specialized de-escalation training and critical skills to respond safely and effectively to individuals in crisis.
   
• Extended training and certification to partner agencies across San Francisco to ensure a cohesive, informed, and comprehensive approach to responses.
   
• Gained recognition beyond California for best practices.

Incident No. 1 and Honorees

SFPD: Officer Stephen Hom, Officer Christopher Prescott, and Officer Lars Nelson

Southern Station officers responded to a woman displaying erratic behavior and ultimately detained her without force and transported her to a hospital.

Incident No. 2 and Honoree

SFPD: Sergeant Antonio Santos

The Central Station sergeant engaged with an individual doused in gasoline while holding a lighter, threatening self-harm, while there were bystanders around.

Incident No. 3 and Honorees

SFPD: Officer Mark Lustenberger, Officer Timothy Watts

San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD): Assistant Deputy Chief April Sloan, Paramedic Scott Patterson, EMT Samantha Sabatelli Department of Public Health (DPH): Dr. Shivika Dharamrup

Ingleside Station officers showed empathy and patience while working with a resident living in hazardous conditions, while preserving her life and dignity.

Incident No. 4 and Honorees

SFPD: Sergeant Eric Mahoney, Officer Thomas Anderson, Officer Tommie Bartley, Officer Timothy Macaulay, Officer Carson McKenzie
SFFD: Assistant Deputy Chief April Sloan, Captain Edward Bird, Paramedic Logan Rasmussen, EMT Braelan Mamaradlo
DPH: Dr. Ricardo Carrillo, Clinician Brian Fields

Richmond Station officers responded to a woman who had caused fear in the community, leading to compassionate and collaborative intervention.

Incident No. 5 and Honorees

SFPD: Sergeant Nathan Lim, Sergeant Shante Williams, Officer Andrea Acosta, Officer Calvin Douglas, Officer Jacob Menis, Officer Simon Wong

Taraval police officers responded to a 911 call from a suicidal man who wanted officers to shoot him and resolved the situation peacefully.