Critical Incident Response Training 

When critical incidents or crisis events occur in a school, quick access to effective resources that minimize the traumatic impact on students and staff is essential.   At the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) – Office of School Safety (OSS) we prioritize the need for prompt, efficient, evidence-based crisis interventions to promote recovery after a crisis event.  The OSS has dedicated federal grant funds from the Office of Justice programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance STOP School Violence Prevention and Mental Health Training Program to develop and train participants who will serve as regionally based Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) members. There are 12 regional teams in Wisconsin that align with the 12 CESA regions.   The teams are comprised of multidisciplinary volunteers trained in crisis response and intervention.  

This training will take place regionally and is geared towards participants who have not previously attended the CIR training, and who are interested in serving as a member of the regional CIRT which they are a part of.  At the conclusion of training, participants will be asked to sign the CIRT Agreement to establish a mutual understanding between OSS and individual CIRT members. 

The purpose of the training is to provide CIRT members the right sized, solutions-oriented approach to crisis response and recovery techniques that “do no harm” and the ability to supplement the resources and support networks that are already in place in our schools.

Applications for the CIR training will be reviewed and approved.  Priority registration will be given to participants serving in CESA Regions 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 12.  Participants will receive an email once the registration is complete. 

The application for upcoming CIR training may be obtained by clicking the following link: 2023 Critical Incident Response Training