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Policing and Mental Health

In this episode, Wes explores initiatives that are helping to improve how police respond to people in mental distress. Across the country, a growing number of cities are investing in ‘Crisis Intervention Team’ training for law enforcement officers and other first responders. This month, Wes looks to San Antonio, Texas, which grew that idea into an innovative collaboration that's made a huge difference over the past decade.

Here's a linkto a video about the San Antonio Police Department mental health unit's work.

Guests on this episode include:

Officer William Kasberg of the San Antonio Police Department’s Mental Health Unit

Steve Johnson, Director of Rehabilitation and Treatment at Behavioral Health System Baltimore

Ron Honberg, Senior Policy Advisor at NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness

Kadie Barrett, Senior at Coppin State University

Troy Smith, retired SAPD hostage negotiator and founder of the training organization, Winners' Circle

Leon Evans, CEO of San Antonio’s Center for Health Care Services
Sergeant Azalee Johnson, Crisis Intervention Team coordinator for the Baltimore Police Department