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Join Policing Matters podcast host Jim Dudley for an enlightening live event where our panel of experts delves into the inner workings of law enforcement crisis intervention teams (CITs). View this event to gain an in-depth understanding of how law enforcement agencies are addressing mental health crises, de-escalating potentially volatile situations, and working to protect both the community and individuals in crisis. This is a unique opportunity to hear directly from those at the helm of these critical operations, as they share their challenges, successes and vision for the future of crisis intervention.
Our panel of experts discuss multiple facets of the CIT model — from conception and implementation to the specialized training officers undergo, and the impact these teams have had on their communities. The conversation not only focuses on the present state of crisis intervention but also addresses the evolving landscape of mental health in law enforcement.
Listen in as our guests share their thoughts on what needs to change, what’s being done right, and how they envision the future of crisis intervention within their agencies.
WHAT ATTENDEES LIKED FROM THIS PRESENTATION:
“The information provided will be very useful for my department.”
“Great panel!”
“The panel was very well informed and gave great ideas on buy-in.”
“Very informative!”
MEET THE PANEL
James Dudley is a 32-year veteran of the San Francisco Police Department where he retired as deputy chief of the Patrol Bureau. He has served as the DC of Special Operations and Liaison to the Department of Emergency Management where he served as Event and Incident Commander for a variety of incidents, operations and emergencies. He has a master’s degree in criminology and social Ecology from the University of California at Irvine. He is currently a member of the Criminal Justice faculty at San Francisco State University, consults on organizational assessments for LE agencies and hosts the Policing Matters podcast for Police1.
Cyndy Caravelis is a professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Western Carolina University. Her current research interests include interpersonal violence, social justice and community policing. She has received numerous grants to deepen and expand the work of the Community Care program. In addition to her academic endeavors, she has extensive field experience in the criminal justice system, including work as a legislative analyst for the Florida Legislature’s Commission on Capital Cases, as a crime intelligence analyst for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, as an expert witness on criminal sentencing, and as an academic instructor in both male and female correctional institutions. She currently serves as a Research and Policy Consultant for multiple police departments.
Lieutenant Angela Freveletti has been with the Sheriff’s Office Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, San Antonio, Texas for over 26 years and is currently the unit commander for the Mental Health Unit, Crisis Negotiation Unit and the Peer Support Team. The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office is a designated Mental Health Learning Site and within its Mental Health Unit, created the S.M.A.R.T Team (Specialized Multi-Disciplinary Alternative Response Team). The team consists of one deputy, one mental health clinician and a paramedic. The team answers non-violent mental health-related calls for service and conducts follow-up visits when needed. The team has been recognized for its achievements by the Alamo Area Council of Governments.
Chief Andy LeBeau has served as chief of police for the Boone (North Carolina) Police Department since May 2020. He has been a law enforcement officer for 33 years between Florida and North Carolina.
Ernest (Ernie) Stevens is a published author with a #1 best-selling book on Amazon titled “Mental Health and De-escalation: A Guide for Law Enforcement Professionals.” Ernie was also a contributing author for, Police Mental Barricade. Ernie was a police officer for 28 years, serving 26 of those years with the San Antonio Police Department where he was a founding member of the Mental Health Unit. Ernie has been featured on the Emmy award-winning HBO Documentary, “Ernie and Joe: Crisis Cops.” He has also been featured in NBC’s documentary, “A Different Kind of Force.” Ernie was interviewed by ABC’s Nightline’s Byron Pitts and featured on officers trained to respond to mental illness calls. Ernie has been featured in over 40 publications and deemed an expert in Crisis Intervention Training.