County Executive Pittman Announces New Workgroup to Review Crisis Intervention Team Policies

Steuart Pittman has announced the formation of an internal workgroup tasked with reviewing Anne Arundel County’s Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) and the police department policies that guide its work.

According to the announcement, the workgroup will include Lt. Steve Thomas along with representatives from the county’s Police Department, Mental Health Agency, Department of Health’s Behavioral Health Bureau, Office of Law, and other stakeholders as needed.

Pittman praised Lt. Thomas for his decades of service and impact on the community, noting his role in supporting families during times of crisis. Thomas, who has served with the Anne Arundel County Police Department for 30 years, is expected to retire later this year but will continue contributing through this effort.

The workgroup is expected to produce a final report outlining its findings, recommendations for the future of the county’s CIT program, and any updates or clarifications to existing police policies, particularly those related to restraining individuals experiencing mental health crises.

Pittman said the initiative is intended to create a structured process for evaluating policies surrounding detainee handcuffing, officer safety, public safety, dignity, and de-escalation practices. He expressed confidence that the county will continue delivering what he described as high-quality, respectful, and compassionate policing.

Residents experiencing a crisis are encouraged to contact the county’s 24/7 Crisis Warmline at 410-768-5522, where trained counselors are available to provide support and connect individuals with appropriate resources.