Meet Ernie & Joe, the crisis cops behind the HBO documentary

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“Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops” is an HBO documentary showcasing the efforts of two Texas police officers who are helping change the way police respond to mental health calls. The film takes audiences on a personal journey, weaving together these two officers’ experiences during their daily encounters with people in crisis as part of the San Antonio Police Department’s Mental Health Unit.

In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley talks to Ernie Stevens and Joe Smarro about the origins of the Mental Health Unit, how the documentary came about and how law enforcement agencies can best tackle the mental health crisis in their communities.

Learn more about Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops here.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ON MENTAL HEALTH OUTREACH PROGRAMS

• This officer’s partner is a mental health counselor

• Persons in mental health crisis: A primer for police response

• Lessons learned from implementing a co-response police-mental health team

• 8 things to know before establishing a mobile crisis intervention co-responder program

• Roundtable: How to develop a successful mental health intervention program

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