SPRINGFIELD, IL – Illinois showcased its efforts in combining therapy K-9s with crisis response at the
2025 CIT International Conference, held Aug. 11-13 at the Anaheim, California Marriott. Illinois Law
Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) State Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Coordinator
Jennifer Wooldridge and Chief Legal Counsel John Keigher presented alongside therapy K-9 Trooper,
highlighting the state's innovative "See Spot Serve: Incorporating Therapy K-9s in Crisis Response
Programming & Deployment" session.

Trooper, a 3-year-old Border Collie mix who came from the Cook County Sheriff's Office's renowned Tails of
Redemption program, impressed attendees with his comforting presence. His participation highlighted the
vital role therapy K-9s play in de-escalating high-stress situations and providing comfort. "See Spot Serve"
detailed how Illinois has launched a specialized certification program for CIT officers and co-responders who
use therapy dogs, a program developed to ensure statewide standards for training and deployment.
This initiative received official approval with the signing of Senate Bill 1491 into law by Gov. JB Pritzker on
Aug. 8, 2025. Sponsored by Sen. Mary Edly-Allen, SB1491 granted ILETSB to develop a comprehensive course
and certification program for law enforcement officers working with therapy dogs in crisis and emergency
response.

"This is a significant moment for communities across Illinois," said Wooldridge, who also serves as Trooper's
K-9 handler from the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. "Now more than ever, our
communities need this support. The ability for people to express their grief and relieve their stress in the
presence of these wonderful K-9s is truly impactful."

"The new certification program will provide a vital framework for effective regional aid during crises," said
Keigher. "This systematic approach ensures that our therapy K-9 teams are not only exceptionally trained but
also readily available to support communities and first responders across Illinois."

The Tails of Redemption program, established by the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, has played a crucial role in
the development of Illinois’ therapy K-9 initiative. Individuals in custody who participate in this program
provide basic obedience training to rescue dogs that eventually become Therapy K-9s. This all-encompassing
program is beneficial in many ways, as it not only aids in the rehabilitation of the individuals in custody but
also prepares the dogs for their future roles. By providing trained therapy K-9s for crisis response, the program
has forged vital partnerships across the state. The program's impact is exemplified by K-9 Ghost, a lab mix
therapy dog trained through Tails of Redemption, who now serves Mobile Training Unit 7 and offers comfort
and support to the Peoria area and its surrounding communities. Tails of Redemption has facilitated over 170
adoptions to date.

Following the vehicle crash at the YNOT After School Camp in Chatham on April 28, 2025, highlighted the
incredible impact of Illinois' therapy K-9 program in supporting Chatham during challenging times. In the
aftermath, a dedicated team of therapy K-9s and their handlers swiftly answered the call to provide comfort to
impacted children, community members, and strained first responders. This critical support included K-9
Trooper and Wooldridge, along with:

• K-9 Zilly & Bolt — Cook County Sheriff's Office "Tails of Redemption"
• K-9 Selena — Troy Police Department
• K-9 Lollipop — University of Illinois Police
• K-9 Snow — Kendall County Sheriff's Office
• K-9 Chase — SIUE Police Department
• Puppies Bean & Nugget — Waggin' Tails Animal Shelter/Cicero Animal Control

“Providing public safety is more than answering emergency calls, it is also comforting our communities during
a crisis,” Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart said. “I am especially proud of Tails of Redemption’s role in
helping our local law enforcement agencies support the residents they serve.”

In 2018, Sheriff Tom Dart launched this innovative program uniting dogs, individuals in custody, and members
of the community in a powerful journey of rehabilitation and hope. Participants not only learn to train dogs in
basic obedience, and preparing the animals for adoption, but they also acquire essential life skills such as
patience, compassion, and problem-solving, thus enhancing their job readiness upon release.

Beyond the therapy K-9 presentation, the Illinois delegation, including Wooldridge, Keigher, and Regional
Coordinators John Williams and Mark Benson, also highlighted Illinois’ robust advanced and refresher CIT
courses. Jerry Roman from the Cook County Sheriff's Office and therapy K9 Zilly, along with Curtis
Schwartzkopf from the SIUE Police Department and K-9 handler of Chase, discussed the many benefits of
therapy K-9s and their effectiveness in various settings.

Their presentations highlighted ILETSB’s dedication to participating in conferences, stakeholder meetings, and
instructor retreats, emphasizing Illinois’ leadership in CIT programming compared to other states.

During breaks, Trooper, Zilly, and Chase were popular attractions, frequently stopped by attendees eager to
interact and experience their calming presence.

Several other state affiliates voiced keen interest in Illinois' innovative programs, particularly the therapy K-9
certification, requesting additional information on how to implement similar initiatives.

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About ILETSB
The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board is the state agency mandated to promote and
maintain a high level of professional standards for law enforcement, correctional, and court security officers.
Its purpose is to promote and protect citizen health, safety, and welfare by assisting municipalities, counties,
special districts, universities, colleges, and other local governmental agencies of this state in their efforts to
upgrade and maintain a high level of training and standards for law enforcement personnel.

Putting Our Best Paw Forward to Support Illinois Communities

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Today, the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) is pleased to announce the passage of Senate Bill 1491, a new law that will enhance crisis and emergency response capabilities across the state through the integration of certified therapy dog teams. Senate Bill 1491 was recently signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker on Friday, August 1, 2025.

Effective January 1, 2026, Senate Bill 1491 requires ILETSB to develop a comprehensive course and certification program for law enforcement officers who will work with therapy dogs in crisis and emergency response situations. This initiative aims to ensure that trained therapy dog teams are available to provide comfort and support during critical incidents, benefiting both individuals in crisis and responding officers. This program will allow for a mutual aid network of therapy dog teams to be dispersed throughout the state when they are needed the most.

“This is a significant moment for communities across Illinois,” said Jennifer Wooldridge, the state CIT coordinator and K-9 handler of 'Trooper' from the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. “Now more than ever, our communities need this support. The ability for people to express their grief and relieve their stress in the presence of these wonderful K-9s is truly impactful.”

This new program will build upon existing crisis intervention team training efforts, providing additional valuable resources for law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. ILETSB will be working diligently to establish the curriculum and certification standards, and further details regarding the program development and rollout will be shared on the website in the coming months.

“Therapy dogs have the ability to help reduce stress-induced trauma, bringing instant comfort and relief,” said Sen. Mary Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “This law will improve officer wellness and make certified therapy K-9s more accessible to help those in a time of need.”

Following the passage of Senate Bill 1491, ILETSB will develop a course and certification program for law enforcement therapy dog teams. ILETSB will emphasize the use of therapy dogs with crisis and emergency response. Furthermore, our board will aim to ensure that certified K-9 teams are available in various regions throughout the state.

For more information and future updates on the development of the certified therapy dog team program, please visit the ILETSB website at ptb.illinois.gov

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SPRINGFIELD, IL — Today, Jennifer Wooldridge, State Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Coordinator and Deputy Director of Operations for the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board, issued the following statement on the life-saving impact of CIT training in law enforcement, as demonstrated recently by Sheriff William Heffington and Chief Deputy Zach Hardin of the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office:

"On May 5, 2025, at approximately 3:30 p.m., the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office was alerted to a severe disturbance near the intersection of Park Street and Main Street in Hardin. Authorities were told an individual intimidated another individual with an axe before fleeing the scene.

"Within minutes, at about 3:37 p.m., Chief Deputy Zach Hardin located the individual, parked along Illinois River Road, still armed with a large axe. Sheriff William Heffington arrived to assist in what quickly escalated into a critical and complex situation. As school had just let out, a bus full of children was nearby, watching as Chief Deputy Hardin navigated the initial contact. The suspect made threatening statements to law enforcement, expressing a desire to commit 'suicide by cop,' and then fled into nearby woods towards the Illinois River.

"Sheriff Heffington and Chief Deputy Hardin found the individual near the river, where they threatened to take their own life before tying a knot around their neck and jumping into the water. Despite being the only two law enforcement officers on scene, and with only volunteer EMS personnel as assistance, they remained calm. Chief Deputy Hardin made the critical decision not to draw his weapon or taser, focusing instead on de-escalation. The Illinois Conservation Police were subsequently requested to assist in this rapidly evolving crisis.

"Both Sheriff Heffington and Chief Deputy Hardin, as highly trained members of the Illinois Crisis Intervention Team, engaged individual in extended, proficient negotiations, lasting over 30 minutes. Drawing on their CIT skills and personal experiences, they shared some of their own life experiences to build trust. They ultimately persuaded the individual to come ashore and, despite their refusal to enter an ambulance due to past psychiatric facility history, convinced the individual to enter their car for safe containment and transport. This compassionate and professional intervention prevented serious harm to the individual, the officers, and the public, leading to a safe apprehension.

"This type of call is one of the worst types of calls any law enforcement officer can be sent to," said Zach Hardin, Chief Deputy of Calhoun County Sheriff's Office. "I am proud of the efforts made by our department in helping to save a life and am grateful we were successful in locating and safely taking this subject into custody without incident, to ensure they receive the immediate care and assistance needed."

"This incident profoundly illustrates the core tenets of CIT: ensuring the safety of all involved through de-escalation, thinking creatively under immense pressure, and connecting individuals in crisis with appropriate care," said Jennifer Wooldridge, State CIT Coordinator and Deputy Director of Operations for the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. "The exceptional professionalism, empathy, and unwavering commitment demonstrated by Sheriff Heffington and Chief Deputy Hardin — even continuing to sit with the individual at the hospital for hours and arranging care for their dog — truly exemplify the spirit and invaluable impact of this training in the most challenging circumstances."

"ILETSB remains committed to expanding CIT training to ensure our law enforcement professionals have the tools and knowledge required to handle complex situations with the utmost professionalism and empathy," said Keith Calloway, Executive Director at the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. "Stories like these from Calhoun County are a powerful testament to the transformative nature of this training and the profound importance it has on saving lives and building trust within our communities."

Authorities remind the public that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Individuals experiencing mental health issues are encouraged to seek support from primary care providers, national organizations, or by contacting the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 via call or text.

For more information on CIT training, visit https://www.ptb.illinois.gov/training/crisis-intervention-team-cit/ or email our team at PTB.CIT@Illinois.gov

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Detective Jamie Shoemaker of the Geneseo Police Department, the Evanston Police Department, and Sergeant Travis Schaal of the Chatham Police Department recognized at 2025 CIT Awards

PEORIA, IL — Today, the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) honored this year's Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Award recipients for their demonstrations of CIT principles including advocating for mental health resources, crisis response training, and community-centered, compassionate policing.

"These award recipients exemplify the values at the heart of CIT — compassion, courage, and community," said ILETSB Executive Director Keith Calloway. "Their work reminds us that effective policing goes beyond enforcement and represents the future of public safety that we are working toward in Illinois. Making a lasting difference in people's lives relies on fostering connection and displaying empathy to truly serve those in need."

Detective Jamie Shoemaker of the Geneseo Police Department is the 2025 Illinois CIT Lieutenant Aaron R. Landers Award Winner. Since beginning her career in 2015, Detective Shoemaker has made impactful contributions to mental health, crisis intervention, and community support. In 2021, Detective Shoemaker joined the Geneseo Police Department, where she became a certified Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) member and launched the IMPACT (Integrated Model Police and Crisis Team) Program, raising over $12,000 to support community members in need. This innovative initiative provides critical resources to individuals experiencing mental illness, substance use challenges, and crisis situations.

The Evanston Police Department is the 2025 Illinois CIT Department of the Year Award Winner. The department has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to assisting individuals in the community who have mental illnesses and behavioral disabilities through innovative approaches, collaborative partnerships, and officer training initiatives. Evanston PD has made CIT training a priority, ensuring that a majority of its 144 sworn officers have completed the certified 40-hour training, with officers regularly utilizing their CIT training in the field, employing deescalation techniques and crisis intervention strategies to improve outcomes for individuals in distress.

Sergeant Travis Schaal of the Chatham Police Department is the 2025 Illinois CIT Officer of the Year Award Winner. Earlier this year, Sergeant Schaal received recognition for his life-saving employment of CIT training after he used the skills and techniques he learned to deescalate a mental health crisis. Approximately a week later, Sergeant Schaal received a handwritten thank-you note from the woman he encountered, thanking him for ‘treating her like a human being’ and crediting him with saving her life.

Since 2003, ILETSB has provided state-certified CIT training to law enforcement officers throughout Illinois.  Participants who volunteer for this specialized, 40-hour training program receive intensive training on assisting individuals in the community who have a mental illness or behavioral disability. This training allows officers to respond effectively and compassionately to mental health crises, reducing the need for force and emergency hospitalization while increasing community trust and cooperation. To date, ILETSB has certified over 20,000 officers statewide from more than 675 agencies in this specialized program.

More than 200 participants gathered at the CIT Conference in Peoria for informational sessions, roundtable discussions, featured keynote presentations, networking, and more. The conference is Illinois’ premier event dedicated to CIT training, mental health collaboration, and community safety.

Photos of the CIT Conference and award ceremony are available HERE, courtesy of ILETSB.

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Join professionals from across the state for the premier Illinois event dedicated to Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training, mental health collaboration, and community safety.

This multidisciplinary conference is designed for first responders, law enforcement, fire service, EMS, social workers, crisis clinicians, and mental health advocates to come together, share strategies, and enhance their skills in compassionate, effective crisis response.

Who Should Attend:

Police Officers | Firefighters | Paramedics | Emergency Dispatchers | Social Workers | Crisis Clinicians | Mental Health Advocates

What to Expect:

- Powerful Keynote Speakers

- Breakout Sessions

- Roundtable Discussions

- Networking Opportunities

- Mental Health Insights

- Special Guest Speakers

- Awards Ceremony

Registration Fees:

- In-State Single Registrant: $175

- Out-of-State & Federal Registrant: $225

- Group Rate (2+ Registrants): $160 per person

Mark your calendars and be part of this impactful event strengthening Illinois' crisis response efforts.

Register by clicking --> HERE

Join us on June 25-26, 2025, at the Embassy Suites in East Peoria, for expert-led training to enhance crisis response and strengthen community partnerships. This conference offers breakout sessions, networking and practical strategies to improve real-world crisis response.

Register today by heading to https://whova.com/portal/registration/-svnIhOOOsa6feh4QNqo/.

CIT Flyer

Mark your calendars to attend the conference, June 25 & 26, 2025!!

Since 2003, the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) has provided state-certified Crisis Intervention Team training to law enforcement officers throughout Illinois. To date, the ILETSB has certified over 14,000 officers statewide, from more than 675 agencies in this specialized program.  The 2025 CIT Conference will include breakout sessions, superior keynotes, roundtable discussions, networking, and much more!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 7, 2025

CONTACT

ptb.media@illinois.gov

ILETSB Chairman Smoot’s Statement on Impact of Crisis Intervention Team Training

 Chatham police sergeant’s compassionate actions prevent tragedy, saving a life

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Today, Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) Chairman Sean Smoot issued the following statement on the life-saving impact of Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training in law enforcement, as demonstrated recently by Sergeant Travis Schaal of the Chatham Police Department:

“Late one night while on patrol, Sergeant Schaal noticed a vehicle parked on train tracks in the 200 block of North State Street. Hours later, the vehicle remained in the same location, prompting his concern. Trusting his instincts, he approached the car and found an 18-year-old woman who initially claimed she was fine. However, relying on the skills and techniques he gained through CIT training, Sergeant Schaal engaged the young woman in conversation and created an atmosphere of trust.

“During their discussion, she revealed her true intentions: she had been struggling at home and in school and was planning to take her own life by waiting for an oncoming train. Through empathy, understanding, and professionalism, Sergeant Schaal convinced the woman to leave the tracks and come to the police department, where she could receive further assistance. She was later transported to a local hospital for mental health treatment.

“Approximately a week later. Segreant Schaal received a handwritten thank-you note from the woman. In the note, she thanked him for ‘treating her like a human being’ and credited him with saving her life. She noted that she had always been wary of first responders but that his kindness and compassion had changed her perspective.

“The actions of Sergeant Schaal exemplify the value and necessity of CIT Training. This program equips officers with the tools and understanding to deescalate mental health crises with care and empathy. Stories like these are a testament to the transformative nature of this training.”

ILETSB remains committed to expanding CIT training statewide to ensure that law enforcement professionals have the resources and knowledge they need to handle complex situations with professionalism and compassion.

For more information on CIT training or ILETSB’s programs, visit https://www.ptb.illinois.gov/training/crisis-intervention-team-cit/or contact PTB.CIT@Illinois.gov.

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About ILETSB

The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board is the state agency mandated to promote and maintain a high level of professional standards for law enforcement and correctional officers. Its purpose is to promote and protect citizen health, safety, and welfare by encouraging municipalities, counties, park districts, State-controlled universities, colleges, public community colleges and other local governmental agencies of this state and participating State agencies in their efforts to upgrade and maintain a high level of training and standards for law enforcement personnel.

Our CIT 20 year Anniversary State Conference was a Huge success!

We had a jam-packed event with over 200 in attendance including CIT officers, law enforcement administrators, dispatch, social workers, co-responder teams and everything in between where we focused on mental wellness, peer support and active listening; including keynote speakers Ernie Stevens, Mark Debona and Kevin Briggs plus highlight speaker Tom Farley!  Not only that, but we also had breakout sessions, round table discussions, peer support dogs and music entertainment/saxophonist from one of Chicago’s own CIT Officers!  Finally we celebrated our 2023 CIT Officer of the year; Heather Lencioni; CIT Agency of the Year; University of Illinois and the inaugural Aaron Landers Award to Tony Rigano!  Next up is the CIT Mental Health Training and Peer Support Resource Institute where we will be a repository of best practices, training and development, research, model policies and local resources for officers, agencies, families and practitioners!

Special thanks to our partners at the Executive Institute for their tireless efforts in making the event such a success; truly couldn’t have done it without them!

Here is a link to highlights of the State CIT Conference as well as some additional information on the CIT program and the courses that fall within the CIT series.

85 days.

Eighty-five days until we roll out three amazing keynote speakers, with special guest Tom Farley taking the stage.  From breakout sessions to networking and roundtable discussions – you DO NOT want to miss this conference! 

CIT Flyer

The 2023 Illinois Crisis Intervention Team Conference registration is NOW OPEN! The conference will take place June 14 & 15 at the Embassy Suites in East Peoria.

You don’t want to miss this phenomenal conference!

The 2023 CIT Conference is full of breakout sessions, round-table sessions, superior keynote presentations, networking and much more!

View the CIT Flyer for more information.

The ILETSB and ILETSB-Executive Institute are proud to announce our 2023 CIT State Conference will be held on June 14 & 15 at the Embassy Suites in East Peoria!

Please keep an eye on our webpage for additional information as it becomes available.

If you are interested in being a presenter at the upcoming conference, please visit the ILETSB-EI website for the Call for Presentations.

https://iletsbei.org/crisis-intervention-team-conference-2023/

Fiscal Year 22 CIT and Mental Health Related Training Opportunities will be posted on the CIT webpage under Upcoming Events mid to late September.

The Illinois 2021 CIT State Conference is a wrap! I’m so proud and humbled to have been a part of the team gathering these amazing speakers! This year we shared enhanced de-escalation skills and the importance of listening and validation. We discussed and shared resources for officer wellness and peer support. We dove into co-responder models and building CIT within your community. From key-note speakers to panels, break-outs, role play and round tabling, we hoped to have something for everyone; where participant interaction was encouraged and flourished! We hope that all participants returned to their agencies with more insight and understanding to strengthen CIT within their communities!

- Jennifer Wooldridge, state CIT coordinator

The CIT Course Invoice is now available for FY22.  The invoice can be found by going to Resources --> Forms & Information --> General Forms or by clicking this link.

Please view the CIT Flyer for more information.

The CIT Course Invoice is now available for FY21.  The invoice can be found by going to Resources --> Forms & Information --> General Forms or by clicking this link.

Be on the lookout for details on the ILETSB upcoming 2021 CIT Conference.

Information will be available here soon.