A Different Response: Yalanda Lester Transforms Crisis Intervention

Published on July 14, 2026

Yalanda Lester attended the Metro Transit Police Department's 50th Anniversary Awards and Recognition Ceremony on June 5 expecting to celebrate partnership and progress. Instead, she left with one of the department's highest honors.

Lester, Arlington County Department of Human Services (DHS) Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Coordinator, and Arlington County Police Corporal James Joy received the Chief of Police Award. They were recognized for expanding CIT training for Metro Transit Police officers and civilian staff. Their work has strengthened how responders recognize behavioral health crises, de-escalate situations, and connect people to support and services.

For Lester, the award reflects something bigger than individual achievement.

“It's not just one entity. We're really working together collaboratively,” she said. “To see that there was that value and that meaningfulness was exciting."

Seeing the Person Behind the Crisis

CIT training teaches skills like active listening, de-escalation, and crisis intervention. But at its core, the program helps responders see the person behind the crisis.

“We are all people, and we need to treat people with dignity and respect,” Lester said. "You're not getting down to what their story is. What's going on with this individual? There is more than what you see here."

As Arlington's CIT Coordinator, Lester manages intensive training that brings together law enforcement, behavioral health professionals, and community partners. Participants learn about mental health, substance use, local resources, and alternatives to incarceration. A key goal is diversion—connecting people to help rather than the criminal legal system whenever appropriate.

From Training to Real-Life Impact

What keeps Lester motivated is advocating for people who are often overlooked.

"I really like working with folks that oftentimes don't have a voice and can't advocate for themselves, that sometimes are unseen and not really heard," she said.

The impact of the training shows up in real life. Lester recalls hearing from a Metro officer who used CIT skills during a call with a suicidal person. The officer was able to build trust and help the person voluntarily seek treatment.

"He was like, ‘It really works,’" Lester said.

The Chief of Police Award recognizes Lester and Joy's leadership. It also highlights a broader effort to build a more compassionate, effective crisis response system across Arlington and the region—one rooted in partnership, understanding, and dignity.

Congratulations to Yalanda Lester and Corporal James Joy on receiving the Chief of Police Award. Their continued leadership strengthens crisis intervention and behavioral health response across Arlington and the region.