The Miami-Dade Police Department is happy to announce the graduation of 21 officers and 2 fire fighters, of the newly implemented Crisis Response Unit (CRU). The Miami-Dade Police Department in collaboration with Miami-Dade County created the CRU, which provides specialized assistance for citizens experiencing a mental health crisis. Every CRU officer received advanced crisis intervention training, and developed strong partnerships with mental health providers, as well as individuals and family members affected by mental illness. A licensed clinician will be assigned to the CRU to respond to mental health calls, when feasible; provide consult and training to the CRU; and monitor consumer care/case management. The goal of the unit is to de-escalate, assess, and divert those in crisis to behavioral health services in a safe, humane, and compassionate matter. This is a momentous occasion not only for the graduates, but also for the community we serve.